deflection
nounUK /dɪˈflekʃən/
US /dɪˈflekʃən/
A deflection is when something changes direction after it hits something else.
The deflection of the ball off the wall sent it into the garden.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In physics, the amount a beam or structure bends under a load.
Engineers measured the deflection of the bridge under heavy traffic.
3. The act of avoiding a question or criticism by changing the subject.
His answer was a clever deflection from the real issue.
4. In psychology, the redirecting of an impulse or emotion into a different outlet.
Laughter can be a deflection that hides nervousness.