misdirection

noun

mis·​di·​rec·​tion ˌmis-də-ˈrek-shən 

-(ˌ)dī-

1

: a wrong direction

2

a

: the act or an instance of misdirecting or diverting

b

: the state of being misdirected

Examples of misdirection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Longtin receives the lion’s share of the carries, but the two wings in the triple-option are closely tied to that effort, blocking or creating misdirection. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Teams are countering, as the Chiefs did Monday, with heavier run packages, misdirection and quick passes to mitigate the pressure. — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Playwright Holloway has all sorts of tricks up his many sleeves, turning misdirection (visual, narrative, aural or otherwise) into a symphony of look-here! — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026

The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation. — David MacK, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misdirection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection