deflection
noun /dɪˈflekʃn/
/dɪˈflekʃn/
[uncountable, countable, usually singular]- a sudden change in the direction that something is moving in, usually after it has hit something; the act of causing something to change direction
- the angle of deflection
- the deflection of the missile away from its target
- O'Leary's shot took a deflection off a defender and finished in the net.
- The goal was scored with a deflection off the goalkeeper.
Word Originearly 17th cent.: from late Latin deflexio(n-), from deflectere ‘bend away’, from de- ‘away from’ + flectere ‘to bend’.