noun Uncommon

deflection

dih-FLEHK-shuhn

Deflection (noun) means the act of deflecting, or an instance of something being deflected. Example: “A slight deflection off the defender sent the ball into the net.”

noun

The act of deflecting, or an instance of something being deflected.

"A slight deflection off the defender sent the ball into the net."

The act of avoiding a question or shifting blame elsewhere.

"His answer was pure deflection — he never addressed the actual complaint."

Bending or movement of a structure under a load.

"Engineers measured the beam's deflection under the test weight."

How to use deflection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA change of direction caused by an impact, or a way of dodging responsibility.

Common pairings

deflection off the post a tactic of deflection beam deflection

Word forms

deflections plural

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A slight _____ off the defender sent the ball into the net.

Etymology

From Latin dēflexiō, from dēflectere ("to bend away") — the noun form of "deflect."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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bending warp diversion deviation deflexion refraction digression divagation

Related words

change form throw entertainment exception departure twist variation

Rhymes for deflection

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “deflection” mean?

The word “deflection” means the act of deflecting, or an instance of something being deflected. In plain terms, a change of direction caused by an impact, or a way of dodging responsibility.

How do you pronounce “deflection”?

“Deflection” is pronounced dih-FLEHK-shuhn (/dəˈflɛkʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “deflection” in a sentence?

Here is “deflection” used in a sentence: “A slight deflection off the defender sent the ball into the net.”

What part of speech is “deflection”?

“Deflection” is a noun.

Where does the word “deflection” come from?

The word “deflection” comes from Latin. From Latin dēflexiō, from dēflectere ("to bend away") — the noun form of "deflect.".

Is “deflection” a common word?

“Deflection” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “deflection” have?

“Deflection” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of deflecting, or an instance of something being deflected.

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change form throw entertainment exception departure twist variation