De*flect" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deflected; p. pr. & vb. n. Deflecting.] [L. deflectere; de- + flectere to bend or turn. See Flexible.] To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often deflected.

Sitting with their knees deflected under them.

De*flect", v. i. To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve.

At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not, but lieth in the true meridian.

To deflect from the line of truth and reason.

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