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

On Wednesday, Räty helped set up the opening goal, a Kiefer Sherwood deflection goal, by getting in on the forecheck, winning possession of the puck and keeping the play alive to help set up a Hughes point shot. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Last season, Godchaux recorded 67 tackles, one QB hit and a pass deflection. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025

Barton was a major steadying presence to Denver’s defense after Alex Singleton tore his ACL early in 2024, playing in all 17 games and recording 106 tackles and five pass deflections. —Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025

In those snaps, Jackson finished with 76 tackles, two interceptions and 19 pass deflections. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for deflection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

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