'deflectible' originates from Latin, specifically from the verb 'deflectere' (formed from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'away' + 'flectere' meaning 'to bend'), combined with the suffix '-ibilis' (from Latin) giving the sense 'able to be bent or turned aside.'

'deflect' entered English via Latin (and through Old French influence) as 'deflect-'/French 'déflecter'; the adjective form was created in English by adding the Latinate adjectival suffix '-ible'/'-ible', producing 'deflectible' in modern English usage.

Initially it meant 'capable of being physically bent aside,' but over time it has also taken on figurative senses such as 'able to be diverted from blame, attention, or responsibility.'