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

It’s misdirection and lying and showmanship on an internationally grand scale, but it’s more “Mission: Impossible” than David Copperfield.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That slow burn, with its attendant low hum of fear and anxiety, is achieved onstage largely through misdirection.

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That meant he was great at misdirection, at lying.

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“It Was Just an Accident” starts with a misdirection, and it won’t be the last.

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We’re awash in a world of deceptions and misdirection, by those creating illusions to distract from the truth.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal