deflection

noun6

1. •
   The act of deflecting or something deflected.

   • Russell's goalbound shot took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner.
2. •
   Deviation (of a needle or other indicator or mechanism) from a previous position.
3. •
   The act of rejecting culpability by redirecting blame elsewhere.
4. •
   (figurative) The act of refusing to address something (questions, criticism, etc.).

   • “‘I’m focused on the future’ is one of the most generic store-brand fuckboy deflections there is,” Oliver fumed. — 2024
5. •
   Bending or deformation under load.
6. •
   A tactic that forces an opposing piece to leave the square, rank or file it occupies, thus exposing the king or a valuable piece