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

The former University of Minnesota star got the puck on the right side off a deflection and put a shot between Wallstedt's legs for his 15th goal. —CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026

The goal was equal parts finesse and fortuitous, with Ramsey’s shot preceded by a gorgeous pass inside from Sandro Tonali and followed by a big deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

The former University of Minnesota star got the puck on the right side off a deflection and put a shot between Wallstedt’s legs for his 15th goal. —ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026

Communication is a maze of deflections, accusations disguised as jokes, taunts masquerading as sincerity. —Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 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