What is the meaning of deflect?

verb

• Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening.
  • usage: "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
  • synonyms: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off
• Turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest.
  • synonyms: bend, turn away
• Turn aside and away from an initial or intended course.
• Draw someone's attention away from something.
  • usage: "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
  • synonyms: distract
• Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball. )
  • usage: "block an attack"
  • synonyms: parry, block