indirection

[ in-duh-rek-shuhn, -dahy- ]

noun

1. indirect action or procedure.
2. a roundabout course or method.
3. a lack of direction or goal; aimlessness:

   His efforts were marked by indirection and indecisiveness.

4. deceitful or dishonest dealing.

indirection

/ ˌɪndɪˈrɛkʃən /

noun

1. indirect procedure, courses, or methods
2. lack of direction or purpose; aimlessness
3. indirect dealing; deceit

Word History and Origins

Origin of indirection¹

1585–95; indirect + -ion, modeled on direction

Example Sentences

True, the landlord could not by any hint or indirection discover from whence his midnight visitor came.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course it was done honestly; nobody suspects the Mayor of Boston of double-dealing, of intrigue, or of any indirection!

From Project Gutenberg

"It is not impossible that I shall want them myself," responded Bean, unconsciously adopting the Tully indirection.

From Project Gutenberg

All direct approaches failing, at last he tried indirection.

From Project Gutenberg

He refers to this second wife once by indirection, thus: "The children of Laura are no longer motherless."

From Project Gutenberg