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
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
The senior had six tackles – two behind the line of scrimmage – two sacks, an interception and a pass deflection in Menlo’s 37-7 win over Menlo-Atherton.
—
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
In another study, a team led by Rahil Makadia of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a method for identifying the safest regions on an asteroid to strike with a deflection mission, without accidentally steering it back toward Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Then there was a deflection in the slot that got past Cam Talbot.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
But Columbus grabbed the momentum, and the lead, back with 72 seconds left in the second period when an errant deflection left Marchenko with a yawning net to hit, and the visitors took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflection
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Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
In another study, a team led by Rahil Makadia of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a method for identifying the safest regions on an asteroid to strike with a deflection mission, without accidentally steering it back toward Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Then there was a deflection in the slot that got past Cam Talbot.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
But Columbus grabbed the momentum, and the lead, back with 72 seconds left in the second period when an errant deflection left Marchenko with a yawning net to hit, and the visitors took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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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