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

Alhambra’s aggressive 2-3 zone forced steals and deflections while International’s 2-2-1 press gave the Bulldogs fits bringing the ball up the court. —Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025

Mihailovic was not credited with the assist due to a deflection on the pass. —Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025

Roughly a quarter of the 212 people who were referred to deflection in Multnomah County completed the program within its first four months, according to a new report. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

Just like the previous goal, Newcastle benefit from a Murillo deflection. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 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