Definitions
1.verbTo make (something) deviate from its original path.
2.verb(ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
3.verbTo deviate from its original path.
4.verbTo avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.)."The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment."
5.verbTo divert (attention, etc.).