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

That created belief and the defense came through in spectacular fashion on the ensuing series with a three-and-out, thanks in large part to a sack by Javon Hargrave and a pass deflection by Andrew Van Ginkel. —Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

His pass deflection was terrific coverage on a halfback angle route, never giving the running back any room. —Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 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

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