deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
dē-
1
: a turning aside or off course : deviation
2
: the departure of an indicator or pointer from the zero reading on the scale of an instrument

Examples of deflection in a Sentence

measuring the angle of deflection He scored with a deflection off another player's stick.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
More news: Cowboys Trade for Former Second-Round Pick WR in Deal With Panthers Lattimore has 15 career interceptions and 88 pass deflections across his eight-year career. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Banchero still had 29 points on Wednesday, but Williams slowed him through relentless defense, fighting over screens and unsettling Banchero in his post-ups to create deflections and reduce his angles to the basket. 4. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 After weeks of delay, Multnomah County's deflection center is set to open Monday, offering drug users an alternative to criminal charges when caught with hard drugs like fentanyl. Kale Williams, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024 Lastly, measure the deflection rate, or GenAI's effectiveness in handling issues without human intervention. Naveen Zutshi, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deflection 

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflection was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near deflection

Cite this Entry

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

deflection

noun
de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
1
: a turning aside or deviation from a straight line
2
: the departure of an indicator or pointer from the zero reading on the scale of an instrument
deflect verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deflection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!