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 light pulse produced a spin deflection up to ten times larger than in the material lacking that interaction. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025

The cornerback notched his third Defensive Player of the Week award on Tuesday, awarded to him after his one-pick, five-deflection performance. —Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

But despite those attempts at deflection, controversy surrounding the issue has continued to mount. —Connor Greene, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

In addition to that pass deflection, Witherspoon had seven tackles and his first interception of the season. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025

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