misdirection

[mis-di-rek-shuh n]

a wrong or incorrect direction, guidance, or instruction.

Law. an erroneous charge to the jury by a judge.

Origin of misdirection

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

But under what moral principle must a nation mimic both the madness and the misdirection of its enemy?
Numbers Don’t Tell the Mideast Story|Thane Rosenbaum|July 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The constant disinformation, distraction, misdirection, confabulation, and endless stream of threats actually works.
Al-Dura Report: Smear Tactics That Work|Emily L. Hauser|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This misdirection is also likely what led CNN and Fox News to mistakenly report that the mandate had been struck down.
Did Chief Justice Roberts Take a Cue From Two Centuries Ago?|Chris Geidner|June 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
In that regard, Eisner proved confounding, with his comments reading more like misdirection than tea leaves.
Michael Eisner on Media's Future|Peter Lauria|September 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST

This fatal result of an enthusiasm for classical literature was hastened and heightened by the misdirection of the powers of art.
The Stones of Venice, Volume III (of 3)|John Ruskin
The defendants gave notice of motion for a new trial on the ground of misdirection of the jury.
Norfolk Annals|Charles Mackie
Monasticism is a reversal or a misdirection of the Cosmic Urge.
Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers|Elbert Hubbard
But they effect, as we have seen, not an encouragement, but a misdirection of industry.
A Defence of Virginia|Robert L. Dabney
The plea was misdirection and want of time, so that, in itself, the matter was one of secondary importance.
The Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. II (of II)|Charles James Lever