deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of deflectionnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to that pass deflection, Witherspoon had seven tackles and his first interception of the season. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025 The deflection wasn’t on net, Swayman had to play the original shot and was in no position to stop Timo Meier, who swept the puck into the wide open net from the right side of the crease. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025 Anaheim took charge with a four-goal second period that featured a franchise-record 27 shots on Chicago's net, capped by Carlsson's 15th goal on a fluttering deflection for a 5-0 lead. CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025 So far this season, Slay has racked up nine interceptions, three pass deflections and one fumble recovery to complement 28 solo tackles and eight assists. Jenn McGraw, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflection

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflection was in 1665

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

deflection

noun
de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
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 verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deflection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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