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
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
Technology is a powerful tool, but it should never be used as a deflection.
—
Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
The film’s intimate sense of joy is not a deflection against the truth of what the Johnsons are facing, but a self-conscious, honest expression of it.
—Eric Farwell and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2024
Late in the game, Paredes cut inside and blasted a 16-yard left-footed shot that took a slight deflection and splashed into the near side of the net.
—Steven Goff, Washington Post, 30 July 2024
Marcelin did not have an interception and had one pass deflection last year, according to MaxPreps, but the source said Marcelin had improved in coverage this spring.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for deflection 
Timothy Papandreou, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
The film’s intimate sense of joy is not a deflection against the truth of what the Johnsons are facing, but a self-conscious, honest expression of it.
—Eric Farwell and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2024
Late in the game, Paredes cut inside and blasted a 16-yard left-footed shot that took a slight deflection and splashed into the near side of the net.
—Steven Goff, Washington Post, 30 July 2024
Marcelin did not have an interception and had one pass deflection last year, according to MaxPreps, but the source said Marcelin had improved in coverage this spring.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for deflection
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deflection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deflection
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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