deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən 

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

Synonyms

• departure
• detour
• deviation
• divagation
• divergence
• divergency
• diversion

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

Ewald, who stands 5-11, had 45 tackles, two interceptions and 20 pass deflections for Chaminade-Madonna last season. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 June 2024

The guard is a solid defensive option, averaging three deflections a game last season. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024

Maks’s obvious deflection doesn’t play well in the room. —Molly Fitzpatrick, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2024

The county was denied $950,000 in funding from the state's Criminal Justice Commission, which doles out deflection grants. —Axios Portland, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən 

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

di-ˈflekt 

verb