deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən 

dē-

1

: the act of changing or causing to change direction

2

: the departure of an indicator or pointer from the zero reading on the scale of an instrument

Synonyms of deflection

• deviation
• departure

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

The Ravens were credited with 13 pass deflections. —Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

Brief hope, then heartbreak Kahlina made a signature diving save in the 76th minute to keep it 2-0, stopping a deflection off his own teammate. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Before joining the Jets, Cisco had logged eight interceptions, 24 pass deflections and 229 tackles during his NFL career, according to Pro Football Stats research. —Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

Measure deflection, resolution time, and user satisfaction. —Kellie Romack, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1665, 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