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 Missouri, opponents of a ballot measure that would place reproductive health rights in the state constitution have tried misdirection, claiming the measure would promote gender-affirming surgery on children or allow abortions in the ninth month of pregnancy, even though neither is true.

From Los Angeles Times

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

This first-time collaboration starts with some brilliant misdirection in introducing Dennison Fallow, who viciously kills a man in San Diego.

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