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

Rodriguez has been disruptive in training camp with pass deflections and sideline-to-sideline speed along with good awareness. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Any deflection of electrons shows up as a tiny, almost imperceptible change in voltage. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Nick Andersen, an undrafted rookie safety from Wake Forest, led the team with nine tackles, two pass deflections and a tackle for loss. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2026

Craig threw a pass to sophomore slot receiver Ed Small that was tightly contested, and the ball floated in the air off a deflection, landing in the hands of redshirt junior safety Jordan Lester. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 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