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

Her shot was deflected across the goal to Jess Park who stabbed the ball in via a deflection off Salma Paralleulo. —Asif Burhan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

The Egyptian’s first-time shot flew in via a deflection off Nathan Ake. —James Pearce, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

After a season of dodging accountability with the kind of deflections that would make a politician blush, she’s finally confronted—this time, backstage by Stacey and Jazzy. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025

Instead, the Knicks opted to add defensive-minded veteran Delon Wright, a backcourt depth piece known for playing the passing lanes and generating deflections. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 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