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

Example Sentences

This is, of course, a regular feature of mysteries or else they’d all be over in five minutes, but there is an especially high level of mistakenness and misdirection here.

From Los Angeles Times

Their music is the full of dread, misdirection and dark absurdity.

From BBC

If the Chargers can establish even a modest run game, it opens opportunities downfield off misdirection and play-action.

From Los Angeles Times

Vecchione’s deadpan style and constant misdirection are on full display as he talks about age gaps, magic doctors and the reality of marital vows, piling on joke after sarcastic joke.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times