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

While Duck redeemed himself with a deflection during the final situational period of the day, the corners, overall, didn’t have the best showing across the past two days. —Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

Among the wider public, the sentiment has been less crude, but still characterized by deflection. —Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025

Channing Tindall had a nice pass deflection, at least his third good play of camp... —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025

With a combined 75 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions, Apple had his most productive year while splitting time in New York and New Orleans. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 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