misdirection

[ mis-di-rek-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a wrong or incorrect direction, guidance, or instruction:
Unfortunately, his advice on the matter was a misdirection acted upon by numerous state leaders.
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.
Law. an erroneous charge to the jury by a judge.

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

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