misdirection

[ mis-di-rek-shuhn ]

noun

1. a wrong or incorrect direction, guidance, or instruction:

   Unfortunately, his advice on the matter was a misdirection acted upon by numerous state leaders.

2. 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.

3. Law. an erroneous charge to the jury by a judge.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdirection¹

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

Example Sentences

In a Thursday night episode of “Report,” Baier owned up his misdirection.

From Salon

Buss added later: “We would have been better off staying together. But it was, like, a misdirection or a misunderstanding.”

From Los Angeles Times

Without spoilers, while he roams the streets of Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties as an apparent serial killer, his actions are the springboard to the roller coaster and misdirection that follow.

From Los Angeles Times

To understand the act of misdirection that Cruz and Britt are pulling off, let’s examine that Alabama Supreme Court decision.

From Los Angeles Times

The reaction from local Republicans this past week though was either misdirection or groveling.

From Seattle Times