deflection

noun

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

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 

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflection was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near deflection

Cite this Entry

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!