deflection

noun

de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of deflection
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Toronto tied it at the half when Mihailovic scored off a deflection seven minutes into stoppage time. — CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty is the first defensive back to tally a pass deflection in consecutive practices. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Hastings made 130 tackles, intercepted a pass, and had four pass deflections with one forced fumble. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 31 July 2026 His strike took a wicked deflection off Lewis Brunt, and the ball looped beyond the helpless Callum Burton. — James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflection

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflection was in 1665

Rhymes for deflection

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Browse Nearby Words

deflect
deflection
deflection bracket
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Cite this Entry

“Deflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflection. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

deflection

noun
de·​flec·​tion di-ˈflek-shən How to pronounce deflection (audio)
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 How to pronounce deflection (audio)
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on deflection

Nglish: Translation of deflection for Spanish Speakers

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