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.
Toure had three tackles for loss, two sacks and six pass deflections. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 The ball, with the help of an errant Bosnian clearance attempt and a deflection, found Balogun in the box. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Gonzalo Plata became a national hero today with his deflection in the 77th minute to put the team ahead. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Yet again, a corner helped put Argentina ahead, Cristian Romero glancing it in via a deflection from Diney. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 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 9 Jul. 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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