deflect crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Your definitive guide to solving the clue "deflect crossword". Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "deflect crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BEND: To force (something straight) into a curve or angle, causing it to deviate.
5 Letters
PARRY: To ward off (a weapon or attack) with a countermove.
REPEL: To drive back or away, causing something to deflect.
DODGE: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement, effectively deflecting contact.
6 Letters
SWERVE: To turn aside abruptly from a straight course.
DIVERT: To cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another.
7 Letters
WARD OFF: To prevent from happening or to turn aside something undesirable, such as a blow.
DEVIATE: To depart from an established course, often used when something is deflected.
8 Letters
SIDESTEP: To avoid (something) by stepping sideways; to evade or deflect an issue.
More About "deflect crossword"
"Deflect" is a common and versatile term in crosswords, often requiring solvers to think broadly about its implications. Fundamentally, it refers to changing the direction of something, whether it's a physical object, a line of argument, or even a responsibility. This can manifest in synonyms related to physical actions like turning aside, bending, or warding off a blow, or more abstract concepts such as averting criticism or evading a question.
The beauty of such clues lies in their ability to lead to a wide range of answers depending on the context provided by other clues or the puzzle's theme. For instance, a clue hinting at a sporting context might lean towards 'PARRY' or 'DODGE,' while a more general clue about an argument could suggest 'SIDESTEP' or 'DIVERT.' Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer from multiple possibilities.
Always consider the number of letters required and how the answer might fit semantically with surrounding words. Crossword setters often play on these shades of meaning, making 'deflect' a fun challenge for solvers of all levels.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: Always look at the surrounding clues if possible. They might provide subtle hints about the type of deflection required, e.g., physical vs. metaphorical.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Many solutions for 'deflect' might be phrasal verbs like 'WARD OFF' or 'FEND OFF'. Don't limit yourself to single-word answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, filter potential answers by the exact number of letters needed. This significantly narrows down the possibilities.
- Think of Opposites: Sometimes, knowing what 'deflect' is NOT can help. What's the opposite of deflecting? Facing, engaging, attracting. This can sometimes spark an idea for a correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deflect' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'deflect' typically refers to turning something aside, averting, or fending off. Answers can range from literal actions like 'PARRY' or 'WARD OFF' to more metaphorical evasions like 'DODGE' or 'SIDESTEP'. The clue implies a change in direction or avoidance.
How can I identify synonyms for 'deflect' in crosswords?
Look for words that mean 'turn aside,' 'ward off,' 'divert,' 'avert,' or 'avoid.' Consider both physical actions (like a ball deflecting) and abstract ones (like deflecting criticism). Think about different scenarios where something might be turned away from its original path or intention.
Are there common tricks or wordplay for 'deflect' clues?
Crossword setters might use 'deflect' to hint at anagrams, homophones, or hidden words. For instance, 'deflect' might lead to answers involving a 'bend' or a 'swerve' which are literal deflections, or even wordplay where letters are 'deflected' or moved around to form a new word.