misdirection

[mis-di-rek-shuhn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a wrong or incorrect direction, guidance, or instruction.
Unfortunately, his advice on the matter was a misdirection acted upon by numerous state leaders.
the use of misleading appearances or distraction to prevent detection of one’s true intent, as in a sports play, magic trick, plot twist, or wrongdoing; feint.
The film begins with a masterful bit of misdirection, which sets up our expectations only to have them upended by a surprising twist.
The media’s unveiling of a scandal at this precise moment is clearly misdirection, which serves both them and the White House well.
Law.��an erroneous charge to the jury by a judge.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdirection¹

First recorded in 1760–70; mis- ¹ + direction

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Pavements” is essential nonsense, preserving the band’s enigmatic allure through the same mix of irony and misdirection.

From

Fisher: … sleight of hand, misdirection, various different forms of magic.

From

Carti’s famous for his misdirection onstage, only appearing in flashes on screens and hiding in a roiling sea of fog and flames.

From

But campaigners have told the BBC they believe this is a "misdirection", as the measures would give DWP the power to instruct banks to access the information on its behalf.

From

For someone watching the film with an eye to for its accuracy about sex, this was an effective misdirection: Only 10% to 20% of us with female anatomy can climax this way.

From

misdirect misdo

Browse