deflection

Meanings

Plural: deflections

Noun

• a twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting
• the amount by which a propagating wave is bent
• the movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position
• the property of being bent or deflected
• a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
  • "a deflection from his goal"
• The act of deflecting or something deflected.
• Deviation (of a needle or other indicator or mechanism) from a previous position.
• The act of refusing to address something (questions, criticism, etc.).
• The act of denying accountability by redirecting blame elsewhere.
• Bending or deformation under load.
• A tactic that forces an opposing piece to leave the square, rank or file it occupies, thus exposing the king or a valuable piece

Synonyms

bending, deflexion, deviation, digression, divagation, diversion, refraction, warp