indirection

American  

[in-duh-rek-shuhn, -dahy-] / ˌɪn dəˈrɛk ʃən, -daɪ- /

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.

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indirection British  

/ ˌɪndɪˈrɛkʃən /

noun

1. indirect procedure, courses, or methods

2. lack of direction or purpose; aimlessness

3. indirect dealing; deceit

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Etymology

Origin of indirection

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

Explanation

Indirection means sneakiness or lying, especially when it's deliberately meant to distract someone or divert his attention. Spies are often forced to use indirection to keep their identities hidden. Indirection involves tricking people by making them pay attention to the wrong things. For example, magicians use indirection to distract their audiences during performances, and a politician uses indirection when he gets voters upset about one issue so they'll forget about another. In Latin, directus means "straight," and in indirection, it's combined with in, or "not." When you practice indirection, in other words, you're not being straight.

Example Sentences

“The same hallmarks we listen for in Rorem’s music will be found in his essays a well: indirection, instinctive grace, intellectual aplomb, a lyrical line.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2022

There are two levels of indirection from the core business of Robinhood.

From The Verge • Mar. 22, 2022

Antrim’s writing here is brilliant in its indirection and compression.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2021

I was perhaps guilty of excessive indirection early on, so much so that I briefly acquired the nickname of Gentle Ben in the industry.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2020

Back in Harlem, he had often liked to get at something through this kind of indirection.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey