What does "deflection" mean?
The act of deflecting or something deflected.
Deflection
/dəˈflɛkʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of deflecting or something deflected.
- Grammar: deflection is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bending, deviation, aberration, angle.
- Useful contrasts: alignment, apologizing, rigidity.
- Usage evidence: The general theory of relativity predicted the deflection of starlight by the Sun.
How to use "deflection"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "deflection" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "deflection" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "deflection" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "deflection" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "deflection" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bending" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "deflection", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of deflecting or something deflected. countable, uncountable
"Russell's goalbound shot took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner."
- 2 a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern) wordnet
- 3 Deviation (of a needle or other indicator or mechanism) from a previous position. countable, uncountable
"At about the time that #1 tyre failed, the Flight Data Recorder shows right rudder deflection. This may have been applied to correct a yaw to the left. (Traces of the left main gear on the runway show that the nose wheels were to the right of the centreline and never crossed it.) About 500 metres from the threshold, the inner wheels of the left main gear bogie had closed from about 2 1⁄2 metres to about one metre to the left of the centreline; this may have been because of over-correction for a tendency to yaw to the left or weather-cocking because of the surface wind. Whatever the reason, the actual deviation would probably have been considered insignificant to the cockpit crew."
- 4 the property of being bent or deflected wordnet
- 5 The act of refusing to address something (questions, criticism, etc.). countable, figuratively, uncountable
"“‘I’m focused on the future’ is one of the most generic store-brand fuckboy deflections there is,” Oliver fumed."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 the movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position wordnet
- 7 The act of rejecting culpability by redirecting blame elsewhere. countable, uncountable
- 8 the amount by which a propagating wave is bent wordnet
- 9 Bending or deformation under load. countable, uncountable
"The structure was examined and passed by the Board of Trade in February, 1890, after it had been tested with two trains of 50 loaded wagons, each hauled by two engines, and pushed by a third. The trains ran side by side, and their combined weight, including the six engines, was 1,800 tons. The deflections of the girders were precisely in accordance with the calculations of the engineers."
- 10 a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting wordnet
- 11 A tactic that forces an opposing piece to leave the square, rank or file it occupies, thus exposing the king or a valuable piece countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The general theory of relativity predicted the deflection of starlight by the Sun."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "deflection"?
Common synonyms include: bending, deviation, aberration, angle, apex, atmospheric attenuation.
How do you use "deflection" in a sentence?
The general theory of relativity predicted the deflection of starlight by the Sun.
How do you pronounce "deflection"?
Pronounced /dəˈflɛkʃən/.
Etymology
From Latin dēflexiō, from dēflectere (“to deflect”; participle stem dēflex-) + -iō (suffix forming abstract nouns). The non-etymological spelling deflection is taken from the present stem dēflect-, associated with collection, dissection, etc. By surface analysis, deflect + -ion.