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

Novak quickly answered for the Penguins, and then Robertson cut the lead to one with a deflection from the slot. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

For years, the name of the game in customer service was call deflection. — Malte Kosub, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Last season, Kreider scored eight of his 22 goals via a tip or deflection. — Arpon Basu, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

The Kansas State alum recorded 76 tackles (seven for loss), seven pass deflections, two interceptions and two sacks as a rookie. — Pj Green september 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 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