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
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
Thomas Harley was diving toward the net, Wyatt Johnston was hunting for deflections, Miro Heiskanen was weaving in and out of traffic.
—
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, the recipient is determined by a statistical formula incorporating the metrics of deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots and box outs.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
With every new revelation comes another explanation—another deflection, another walk-back, and yet another attempt to sidestep the core questions that truly matter.
—Heather Somers, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
With just under five minutes left in the second period, the Flyers were able to sustain heavy offensive zone pressure, enough for Travis Sanheim to get the equalizer off a deflection to tie the game at two.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
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Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Presented annually since 2016-17, the recipient is determined by a statistical formula incorporating the metrics of deflections, loose balls recovered, charges drawn, screen assists, contested shots and box outs.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
With every new revelation comes another explanation—another deflection, another walk-back, and yet another attempt to sidestep the core questions that truly matter.
—Heather Somers, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
With just under five minutes left in the second period, the Flyers were able to sustain heavy offensive zone pressure, enough for Travis Sanheim to get the equalizer off a deflection to tie the game at two.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflection
Cite this Entry
“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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
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