deflection
/dɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n
/(also deflexion)
noun [mass noun]
The action or process of deflecting or being deflected: the deflection of the light beam [count noun]: his volley took a deflection off a United defender...
- Six minutes after his arrival Cole got possession and fired a shot that took a deflection off the unlucky City defender Martin Taylor on its way to goal.
- Brighton won through a header by Adam Virgo that took a deflection off defender Clarke Carlisle past Neil Sullivan.
- The winners took the lead as early as the 7th minute with a powerful shot that took a deflection on its way to the net.
Synonyms
turning aside/away, turning, diversion, drawing away;
deviation, divergence, declination, aberration, turn, veer, swerve, slew, drift, straying, bend, swing, twist, curve
rare divarication, divagation
Origin
Early 17th century: from late Latin deflexio(n-), from deflectere 'bend away' (see deflect).