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

Thibodeaux had five tackles, a deflection and a QB hit. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025

The United defender got a toe to the ball, which led to Casemiro scoring with a shot which took a deflection off Yasin Ayari. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

Gia Hinman had three hurries and three pass deflections for the Eagles, two of which came on fourth downs. —Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025

Woodson has started all seven games this season, recording 34 tackles, one pass deflection and a fumble recovery. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 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