misdirection

American  

[mis-di-rek-shuhn] / ˌmɪs dɪˈrɛk ʃən /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of misdirection

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

Explanation

If you give someone mistaken guidance or instructions, that's misdirection, like when you tell a tourist the wrong route to find a museum. Another type of misdirection is the kind magicians use when they draw your attention away from their sleight of hand. By directing an audience's focus to a magic wand waving in the air, a good magician can make it seem like a rabbit has suddenly appeared in their hat. Pickpockets use a similar kind of misdirection, steering a victim's attention away from the hand that's sliding into their pocket and grabbing their wallet.

Example Sentences

Misdirection, Fisher adds, is the basis for magic and illusion, and that is why so much of it is used in the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

Misdirection is both a theme and a narrative strategy here, along with the magician’s practice of “forcing” — “when you think you’re choosing but it’s already been chosen for you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Misdirection was one thing; this felt almost taunting.

From New York Times • May 7, 2022

Misdirection can be as useful a trick in storytelling as it is in magic.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2021

Misdirection, a sucker punch, a slingshot, even running away to fight another day are “asymmetrical” approaches that are sensible indeed for any outgunned and overmatched opponent. 

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2016