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

• 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 6-foot DeJean started all four games during the playoffs, posting 18 tackles with four pass deflections. —Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson called Pritzker’s comments a deflection from crime in Chicago. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2025

Engineers monitored stress, vibration, and deflection in the structure using a network of sensors embedded throughout the bridge's framework. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

In three preseason games, Winfrey combined for six tackles, one sack and one pass deflection. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 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