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

The Browns used a lot of pre-snap motion to set up misdirection plays and utilized a lot of bubble screens in the quick game in the spring, and those plays figure to be designed for players with skill sets like Concepcion and Corley have. — Zac Jackson, New York Times, 25 June 2026

Before settling in for a long chat with one of the most famous and beloved people on the planet, Colbert engaged in some clever misdirection. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026

The solution to the clues was simple and obvious after a lot of misdirection and red herrings — just like every Scooby Doo episode. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

But even if the reveal is so anticlimactic as to be more of a misdirection than a murder, a good one will leave us with a singular moment that emotionally resonates. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 13 Apr. 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