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
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
Toews’ deflection bounced high from the left face-off dot toward Wedgewood’s net — but before the goalie could control the rebound, Hartman swatted it like a pickleball volley in mid-air and past the Colorado goaltender for a 3-0 Minnesota lead.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
That’s why Rosengren, UCSD colleagues Thomas Bewley and Ben Hanson, and colleagues at the University of Arizona are investigating rare, low-probability chances for destruction, thereby offering authorities the best advice on when to launch deflection missions.
—New Atlas, 10 May 2026
San Diego opened the scoring early in the second half as Dudinha’s shot went in off a deflection from defender Sarah Gorden in the 49th minute.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 10 May 2026
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
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Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
That’s why Rosengren, UCSD colleagues Thomas Bewley and Ben Hanson, and colleagues at the University of Arizona are investigating rare, low-probability chances for destruction, thereby offering authorities the best advice on when to launch deflection missions.
—New Atlas, 10 May 2026
San Diego opened the scoring early in the second half as Dudinha’s shot went in off a deflection from defender Sarah Gorden in the 49th minute.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 10 May 2026
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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