noun
misdirection
Misdirection (noun) means the act of steering someone's attention or effort the wrong way, often deliberately, as in magic tricks. Example: “The magician used misdirection to hide the coin up his sleeve.”
noun
1
The act of steering someone's attention or effort the wrong way, often deliberately, as in magic tricks.
"The magician used misdirection to hide the coin up his sleeve."
2
A legal error made by a judge in instructing a jury.
"The appeal succeeded on the grounds of judicial misdirection."
How to use misdirection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPointing attention or effort the wrong way, sometimes on purpose.
Common pairings
a classic misdirection
sleight of hand and misdirection
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Word forms
- Plural
- misdirections
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The magician used _____ to hide the coin up his sleeve.
Etymology
From mis- + direction.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for misdirection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for misdirection →
Frequently asked questions
What does “misdirection” mean?
The word “misdirection” means the act of steering someone's attention or effort the wrong way, often deliberately, as in magic tricks. In plain terms, pointing attention or effort the wrong way, sometimes on purpose.
How do you use “misdirection” in a sentence?
Here is “misdirection” used in a sentence: “The magician used misdirection to hide the coin up his sleeve.”
What part of speech is “misdirection”?
“Misdirection” is a noun.
How many meanings does “misdirection” have?
“Misdirection” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of steering someone's attention or effort the wrong way, often deliberately, as in magic tricks.
