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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His more than 400 deflections are the most in a season since the NBA began tracking that stat in 2016. Fred Katz, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Just 31 seconds after the Ducks equalized, Kopitar secured 20-goal campaign No. 14 with a deft deflection from the high slot that bounced off the ice and past Dostál. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2025 But the Wild again had an answer when Hartman poked a loose puck in the crease over the line after a Foligno deflection had hit the crossbar behind the Devils goalie. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025 The scandal is still unfolding, but what has followed so far is a cascade of damage control, political deflection and, ultimately, distraction. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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
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