deflection
noun
de·flec·tion
di-ˈflek-shən 
dē-
1
: a turning aside or off course : deviation
2
: the departure of an indicator or pointer from the zero reading on the scale of an instrument
Synonyms
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
Despite struggling with availability because of lingering injuries, Caruso had a career-high 120 blocks and 70 blocks last season while averaging 1.7 steals (third in the league) and 3.7 deflections (first) and also improving his 3-point-shooting percentage to 40.8%.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2024
Instead, Torres’ throw hit the runner, who scored the O’s first run thanks to the deflection.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 May 2024
Some of the main differences concern the presence, in the new species, of a palatal ridge, a pair of accessory incisive foramina, and a steeper rostrum deflection; among various others.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
Based on that call, LMPD decided to not send a deflection officer, trained to de-escalate, provide emotional support and problem solve for the person in crisis.
—Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for deflection 
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2024
Instead, Torres’ throw hit the runner, who scored the O’s first run thanks to the deflection.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 May 2024
Some of the main differences concern the presence, in the new species, of a palatal ridge, a pair of accessory incisive foramina, and a steeper rostrum deflection; among various others.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
Based on that call, LMPD decided to not send a deflection officer, trained to de-escalate, provide emotional support and problem solve for the person in crisis.
—Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for deflection
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deflection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deflection
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share