Deflection
/dɪˈflɛkʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of turning something aside; a deviation from a course or intended path.
/dɪˈflɛkʃən/
The action of changing the course or direction of something.
The slight deflection of the laser beam was barely noticeable.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're playing pool, and the cue ball hits another ball and changes its path. It's a change of direction! Think of a soccer goalie blocking a shot, that's a deflection.
👶 For kids: When something changes direction, like a ball bouncing off a wall.
More Examples
The radar detected a deflection of the incoming missile.
The coach was impressed by the hockey player's quick deflection of the puck.
How It's Used
"The deflection of a light beam by a prism."
"The goalie made a crucial deflection to prevent a goal."
"The politician's deflection of the question angered the press."
The amount by which something is bent or moved from its usual place or direction.
/dɪˈflɛkʃən/
The amount that something is bent or displaced from its normal position.
The structural engineer calculated the maximum deflection of the building's support beams.
💡 Simply: Imagine a diving board bending when someone jumps on it. The amount it bends down is the deflection!
👶 For kids: How much something bends or moves from where it should be.
More Examples
The deflection of the antenna was measured after the storm.
The deflection in the steel rod indicated a significant strain.
How It's Used
"The bridge's deflection under heavy loads was carefully monitored."
"Calculate the deflection of a cantilever beam due to a point load."
Idioms & expressions
deflection angle
The angle through which a ray or object is deflected.
"The deflection angle of the light beam was 30 degrees after passing through the prism."
deflection of blame
To shift the blame away from oneself.
"The politician's deflection of blame onto his staff was widely criticized."
From Latin *dēflectere* meaning 'to bend aside,' from *dē-* (off, away) + *flectere* (to bend). The word entered English in the late 16th century.
In older texts, 'deflection' could also refer to a deviation from morality or a moral lapse.
Memory tip
Imagine a ball hitting a wall and changing direction – that's deflection!
Word Origin
"to bend"