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

In 201 career games, Peterson recorded 36 interceptions, 122 pass deflections, 652 total tackles and four sacks. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Gonzalo Plata became a national hero today with his deflection in the 77th minute to put the team ahead. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Morocco finally took the lead in the game with 12 minutes left, Sofiane Rahimi scoring via a deflection after Haiti failed to clear a corner. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Shahriyar Moghanlou’s shot was blocked, but Rezaeian was in position to tap the deflection into the far lower left corner of the net in the 32nd minute. — Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 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