'deflect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deflectere', where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'flectere' meant 'to bend'.

'deflect' changed from the Late Latin word 'deflectere' into forms used in medieval and early modern Latin and Old French, and then entered English as 'deflect' with the same basic form and sense.

Initially, it meant 'to bend or turn away,' and over time it retained this core sense while expanding metaphorically to include shifting attention or responsibility.