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

Then, in minute 105, Spain finally broke through with midfielder Ferran Torres smashing one into the net off a deflection. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 19 July 2026

Afterwards, researchers will track any orbital changes to confirm the deflection worked. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

In 96 career games, Wallace recorded 333 tackles, 56 pass deflections and 12 interceptions. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

That gives Soufiane Rahimi the time and space to take a touch and score via a deflection. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026

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