An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To bend or turn aside; turn from a true course or straight line.

Etymology (EN): From L. deflectere “to bend down, turn aside,” from → de- “away” + flectere “to bend, turn.”

Etymology (PE): Vâcaftidan, vâcaftan, from vâcaft, from vâ- “away,” → de- + caft “bent, curved, crooked,” variants cafté, jafté, jaftâ.