What's a word that means deflect blame?

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14















I'm looking for a word that means someone is redirecting the blame or attention of something. I have a feeling it starts with an "a" or "i", but I'm not sure.



By the way, it's not "divert", I already thought of that.



Here's an example sentence:



"The Yankees Management had instituted a way of ___ to the players..."










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We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.


















    14















    I'm looking for a word that means someone is redirecting the blame or attention of something. I have a feeling it starts with an "a" or "i", but I'm not sure.



    By the way, it's not "divert", I already thought of that.



    Here's an example sentence:



    "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of ___ to the players..."










    share|improve this question














    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
















      14












      14








      14


      3






      I'm looking for a word that means someone is redirecting the blame or attention of something. I have a feeling it starts with an "a" or "i", but I'm not sure.



      By the way, it's not "divert", I already thought of that.



      Here's an example sentence:



      "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of ___ to the players..."










      share|improve this question
















      I'm looking for a word that means someone is redirecting the blame or attention of something. I have a feeling it starts with an "a" or "i", but I'm not sure.



      By the way, it's not "divert", I already thought of that.



      Here's an example sentence:



      "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of ___ to the players..."







      single-word-requests meaning






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Feb 14 at 3:02









      Chappo

      2,93151325




      2,93151325










      asked Feb 13 at 5:42









      Sabir AdenSabir Aden

      8917




      8917



      We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




      We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.





















          9 Answers
          9






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          23














          Scapegoating




          The practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment (From Wiki link above)




          In your context:




          The Yankees Management had instituted a way of scapegoating the players...







          share|improve this answer






























            13














            Implicating



            From American Heritage:




            To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly




            or Incriminating




            To cause to appear guilty of a crime or fault; implicate




            (Again from American Heritage)



            I have to change your sentence slightly to:




            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of incriminating the players.




            This would mean they had a way of making it look like the players were wrong and thus shift the blame for any wrong doing on to the players.






            share|improve this answer























            • To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

              – Matthew Read
              Feb 14 at 18:51


















            9














            to pass the buck




            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of passing the buck to the players.




            From Collins English Dictionary:




            to shift blame or responsibility onto another




            This expression fits the original sentence better than "scapegoating" or "implicating". "Assigning" and "incriminating", while plausible, do not convey the idea of deflecting blame from one entity to another.



            "Passing the buck" is more widely used in everyday English (American and British, written and spoken) than "blame-shifting", which is probably a psychological neologism describing a specific behavioural symptom (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection).



            However, while "passing the buck" does occur frequently in highbrow journalistic writing (e.g. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/football-is-passing-the-buck-over-fan-violence-wgsj36txp), it is informal, and should not be used in official documents or academic writing.






            share|improve this answer






























              8














              There are only so many words that function alongside blame and which start with a or i.



              As far as I can tell, you're looking for the phrase assign blame.



              However, I should note that it doesn't necessarily mean deflect or divert—although it can certainly be used to accomplish that purpose.



              In your example sentence:




              The Yankees Management had instituted a way of assigning blame to the players...







              share|improve this answer






























                4














                There are multiple words and phrases you can use. Redirect blame or as Mari Lou said, shift blame (or blame-shifting). They both basically mean the same, but I would say blame-shifting has connotations that fit more with what you're looking for.



                https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/shift-the-blame-responsibility-onto-somebody



                Though this dictionary isn't as well established as other dictionaries, this at least shows that the example exists in one. It is a phrase, so it makes sense that it doesn't exist in every dictionary, especially those who focus more on words.






                share|improve this answer


















                • 1





                  idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                  – Mari-Lou A
                  Feb 13 at 8:40






                • 1





                  I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                  – ajrwhite
                  Feb 13 at 16:40



















                3














                In a sports context, I would have to go with punt. From the Oxford English Dictionary (unfortunately paywalled, but the intransitive version of this sense is also quoted in this answer to Can “to punt something” mean “not to do something”?):




                punt, v.3



                4. N. Amer. colloq.




                a. intransitive. To give up, back out; to defer or avoid taking action or responsibility, to ‘pass the buck’.
                [Attestations omitted]



                b. transitive. To avoid, defer, or give up on. Also: to pass responsibility for (something) to.




                • 1969 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 21 May 2/6 So the board decided to punt the matter over to Dist. 54.

                • 1972 Odessa (Texas) Amer. 10 Sept. 16/3 What is your favorite football play?.. I think I'll punt that question.

                • 1983 G. Steele et al. Hacker's Dict. 106 Let's punt the movie tonight.

                • 2005 L. LeffBuried by Times viii. 258 A divided State Department punted the issue to Treasury.



                This meaning, of course, developed from the practice in rugby and American football of dropping a ball and then kicking it before it hits the ground, when the player has given up on any chance of actually scoring. So you can add cross-sport insult to injury by saying:




                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of punting to the players...







                share|improve this answer






























                  2














                  Following @Mari-Lou A 's suggestion of the compound noun 'blame-shifting' I would suggest the compound noun 'blame-deflecting' for two reasons.



                  1. 'Shifting' is not quite the same concept as 'deflection'. Deflection, in the context of blame, is a well documented psychological technique and, as such, the wording should be preserved.

                  Deflection draws attention to the act of avoidance, rather than the end process of the 'shift', which is actually the outcome of deflection.



                  1. 'Deflection of blame' is such an idiomatic phrase that it's concept is best expressed by retaining its exact wording, but in compound form.

                  Deflection of Blame - nation.com






                  share|improve this answer
































                    0














                    attribute




                    regard something as being caused by.




                    "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of attributing (the poor results) to the players (effort)"



                    You should note that, strictly, it doesn't mean redirecting blame, but my gut feel is that this may be the word you're looking for (even if it isn't a perfect match for your needs).






                    share|improve this answer






























                      0














                      Jason Bassford's excellent answer gives us the A word: assign.



                      The I word you're looking for might be this one: impute.



                      In Merriam-Webster, the first definition of impute is given as: "to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustly".






                      share|improve this answer





















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                        9 Answers
                        9






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes








                        9 Answers
                        9






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes









                        active

                        oldest

                        votes






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes









                        23














                        Scapegoating




                        The practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment (From Wiki link above)




                        In your context:




                        The Yankees Management had instituted a way of scapegoating the players...







                        share|improve this answer



























                          23














                          Scapegoating




                          The practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment (From Wiki link above)




                          In your context:




                          The Yankees Management had instituted a way of scapegoating the players...







                          share|improve this answer

























                            23












                            23








                            23







                            Scapegoating




                            The practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment (From Wiki link above)




                            In your context:




                            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of scapegoating the players...







                            share|improve this answer













                            Scapegoating




                            The practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment (From Wiki link above)




                            In your context:




                            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of scapegoating the players...








                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Feb 13 at 12:57









                            ChronocidalChronocidal

                            4915




                            4915























                                13














                                Implicating



                                From American Heritage:




                                To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly




                                or Incriminating




                                To cause to appear guilty of a crime or fault; implicate




                                (Again from American Heritage)



                                I have to change your sentence slightly to:




                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of incriminating the players.




                                This would mean they had a way of making it look like the players were wrong and thus shift the blame for any wrong doing on to the players.






                                share|improve this answer























                                • To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                  – Matthew Read
                                  Feb 14 at 18:51















                                13














                                Implicating



                                From American Heritage:




                                To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly




                                or Incriminating




                                To cause to appear guilty of a crime or fault; implicate




                                (Again from American Heritage)



                                I have to change your sentence slightly to:




                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of incriminating the players.




                                This would mean they had a way of making it look like the players were wrong and thus shift the blame for any wrong doing on to the players.






                                share|improve this answer























                                • To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                  – Matthew Read
                                  Feb 14 at 18:51













                                13












                                13








                                13







                                Implicating



                                From American Heritage:




                                To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly




                                or Incriminating




                                To cause to appear guilty of a crime or fault; implicate




                                (Again from American Heritage)



                                I have to change your sentence slightly to:




                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of incriminating the players.




                                This would mean they had a way of making it look like the players were wrong and thus shift the blame for any wrong doing on to the players.






                                share|improve this answer













                                Implicating



                                From American Heritage:




                                To involve or connect intimately or incriminatingly




                                or Incriminating




                                To cause to appear guilty of a crime or fault; implicate




                                (Again from American Heritage)



                                I have to change your sentence slightly to:




                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of incriminating the players.




                                This would mean they had a way of making it look like the players were wrong and thus shift the blame for any wrong doing on to the players.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered Feb 13 at 11:39









                                PamPam

                                4,5331731




                                4,5331731












                                • To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                  – Matthew Read
                                  Feb 14 at 18:51

















                                • To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                  – Matthew Read
                                  Feb 14 at 18:51
















                                To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                – Matthew Read
                                Feb 14 at 18:51





                                To me this doesn't read like redirected blame. Either no one was incriminated previously (so no blame to shift, just to assign), or the players are added to those already incriminated.

                                – Matthew Read
                                Feb 14 at 18:51











                                9














                                to pass the buck




                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of passing the buck to the players.




                                From Collins English Dictionary:




                                to shift blame or responsibility onto another




                                This expression fits the original sentence better than "scapegoating" or "implicating". "Assigning" and "incriminating", while plausible, do not convey the idea of deflecting blame from one entity to another.



                                "Passing the buck" is more widely used in everyday English (American and British, written and spoken) than "blame-shifting", which is probably a psychological neologism describing a specific behavioural symptom (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection).



                                However, while "passing the buck" does occur frequently in highbrow journalistic writing (e.g. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/football-is-passing-the-buck-over-fan-violence-wgsj36txp), it is informal, and should not be used in official documents or academic writing.






                                share|improve this answer



























                                  9














                                  to pass the buck




                                  The Yankees Management had instituted a way of passing the buck to the players.




                                  From Collins English Dictionary:




                                  to shift blame or responsibility onto another




                                  This expression fits the original sentence better than "scapegoating" or "implicating". "Assigning" and "incriminating", while plausible, do not convey the idea of deflecting blame from one entity to another.



                                  "Passing the buck" is more widely used in everyday English (American and British, written and spoken) than "blame-shifting", which is probably a psychological neologism describing a specific behavioural symptom (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection).



                                  However, while "passing the buck" does occur frequently in highbrow journalistic writing (e.g. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/football-is-passing-the-buck-over-fan-violence-wgsj36txp), it is informal, and should not be used in official documents or academic writing.






                                  share|improve this answer

























                                    9












                                    9








                                    9







                                    to pass the buck




                                    The Yankees Management had instituted a way of passing the buck to the players.




                                    From Collins English Dictionary:




                                    to shift blame or responsibility onto another




                                    This expression fits the original sentence better than "scapegoating" or "implicating". "Assigning" and "incriminating", while plausible, do not convey the idea of deflecting blame from one entity to another.



                                    "Passing the buck" is more widely used in everyday English (American and British, written and spoken) than "blame-shifting", which is probably a psychological neologism describing a specific behavioural symptom (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection).



                                    However, while "passing the buck" does occur frequently in highbrow journalistic writing (e.g. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/football-is-passing-the-buck-over-fan-violence-wgsj36txp), it is informal, and should not be used in official documents or academic writing.






                                    share|improve this answer













                                    to pass the buck




                                    The Yankees Management had instituted a way of passing the buck to the players.




                                    From Collins English Dictionary:




                                    to shift blame or responsibility onto another




                                    This expression fits the original sentence better than "scapegoating" or "implicating". "Assigning" and "incriminating", while plausible, do not convey the idea of deflecting blame from one entity to another.



                                    "Passing the buck" is more widely used in everyday English (American and British, written and spoken) than "blame-shifting", which is probably a psychological neologism describing a specific behavioural symptom (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection).



                                    However, while "passing the buck" does occur frequently in highbrow journalistic writing (e.g. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/football-is-passing-the-buck-over-fan-violence-wgsj36txp), it is informal, and should not be used in official documents or academic writing.







                                    share|improve this answer












                                    share|improve this answer



                                    share|improve this answer










                                    answered Feb 13 at 15:45









                                    ajrwhiteajrwhite

                                    1993




                                    1993





















                                        8














                                        There are only so many words that function alongside blame and which start with a or i.



                                        As far as I can tell, you're looking for the phrase assign blame.



                                        However, I should note that it doesn't necessarily mean deflect or divert—although it can certainly be used to accomplish that purpose.



                                        In your example sentence:




                                        The Yankees Management had instituted a way of assigning blame to the players...







                                        share|improve this answer



























                                          8














                                          There are only so many words that function alongside blame and which start with a or i.



                                          As far as I can tell, you're looking for the phrase assign blame.



                                          However, I should note that it doesn't necessarily mean deflect or divert—although it can certainly be used to accomplish that purpose.



                                          In your example sentence:




                                          The Yankees Management had instituted a way of assigning blame to the players...







                                          share|improve this answer

























                                            8












                                            8








                                            8







                                            There are only so many words that function alongside blame and which start with a or i.



                                            As far as I can tell, you're looking for the phrase assign blame.



                                            However, I should note that it doesn't necessarily mean deflect or divert—although it can certainly be used to accomplish that purpose.



                                            In your example sentence:




                                            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of assigning blame to the players...







                                            share|improve this answer













                                            There are only so many words that function alongside blame and which start with a or i.



                                            As far as I can tell, you're looking for the phrase assign blame.



                                            However, I should note that it doesn't necessarily mean deflect or divert—although it can certainly be used to accomplish that purpose.



                                            In your example sentence:




                                            The Yankees Management had instituted a way of assigning blame to the players...








                                            share|improve this answer












                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer










                                            answered Feb 13 at 7:16









                                            Jason BassfordJason Bassford

                                            18.3k32144




                                            18.3k32144





















                                                4














                                                There are multiple words and phrases you can use. Redirect blame or as Mari Lou said, shift blame (or blame-shifting). They both basically mean the same, but I would say blame-shifting has connotations that fit more with what you're looking for.



                                                https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/shift-the-blame-responsibility-onto-somebody



                                                Though this dictionary isn't as well established as other dictionaries, this at least shows that the example exists in one. It is a phrase, so it makes sense that it doesn't exist in every dictionary, especially those who focus more on words.






                                                share|improve this answer


















                                                • 1





                                                  idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                  – Mari-Lou A
                                                  Feb 13 at 8:40






                                                • 1





                                                  I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                  – ajrwhite
                                                  Feb 13 at 16:40
















                                                4














                                                There are multiple words and phrases you can use. Redirect blame or as Mari Lou said, shift blame (or blame-shifting). They both basically mean the same, but I would say blame-shifting has connotations that fit more with what you're looking for.



                                                https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/shift-the-blame-responsibility-onto-somebody



                                                Though this dictionary isn't as well established as other dictionaries, this at least shows that the example exists in one. It is a phrase, so it makes sense that it doesn't exist in every dictionary, especially those who focus more on words.






                                                share|improve this answer


















                                                • 1





                                                  idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                  – Mari-Lou A
                                                  Feb 13 at 8:40






                                                • 1





                                                  I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                  – ajrwhite
                                                  Feb 13 at 16:40














                                                4












                                                4








                                                4







                                                There are multiple words and phrases you can use. Redirect blame or as Mari Lou said, shift blame (or blame-shifting). They both basically mean the same, but I would say blame-shifting has connotations that fit more with what you're looking for.



                                                https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/shift-the-blame-responsibility-onto-somebody



                                                Though this dictionary isn't as well established as other dictionaries, this at least shows that the example exists in one. It is a phrase, so it makes sense that it doesn't exist in every dictionary, especially those who focus more on words.






                                                share|improve this answer













                                                There are multiple words and phrases you can use. Redirect blame or as Mari Lou said, shift blame (or blame-shifting). They both basically mean the same, but I would say blame-shifting has connotations that fit more with what you're looking for.



                                                https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/shift-the-blame-responsibility-onto-somebody



                                                Though this dictionary isn't as well established as other dictionaries, this at least shows that the example exists in one. It is a phrase, so it makes sense that it doesn't exist in every dictionary, especially those who focus more on words.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Feb 13 at 8:24









                                                A. KvåleA. Kvåle

                                                9461417




                                                9461417







                                                • 1





                                                  idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                  – Mari-Lou A
                                                  Feb 13 at 8:40






                                                • 1





                                                  I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                  – ajrwhite
                                                  Feb 13 at 16:40













                                                • 1





                                                  idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                  – Mari-Lou A
                                                  Feb 13 at 8:40






                                                • 1





                                                  I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                  – ajrwhite
                                                  Feb 13 at 16:40








                                                1




                                                1





                                                idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                – Mari-Lou A
                                                Feb 13 at 8:40





                                                idioms.thefreedictionary.com/blame+shifting

                                                – Mari-Lou A
                                                Feb 13 at 8:40




                                                1




                                                1





                                                I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                – ajrwhite
                                                Feb 13 at 16:40






                                                I don't think "blame-shifting" is widely used in everyday parlance. As a native (British) English speaker, I've never heard it, although would of course understand it immediately. When you Google it, the context seems to be mainly psychology, describing a behavioural symptom of narcissism, sociopathy, and so on. I don't think it's the most appropriate choice for the less pathological behaviour being described in the original post, although it may simply depend on the preference and academic background of the speaker.

                                                – ajrwhite
                                                Feb 13 at 16:40












                                                3














                                                In a sports context, I would have to go with punt. From the Oxford English Dictionary (unfortunately paywalled, but the intransitive version of this sense is also quoted in this answer to Can “to punt something” mean “not to do something”?):




                                                punt, v.3



                                                4. N. Amer. colloq.




                                                a. intransitive. To give up, back out; to defer or avoid taking action or responsibility, to ‘pass the buck’.
                                                [Attestations omitted]



                                                b. transitive. To avoid, defer, or give up on. Also: to pass responsibility for (something) to.




                                                • 1969 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 21 May 2/6 So the board decided to punt the matter over to Dist. 54.

                                                • 1972 Odessa (Texas) Amer. 10 Sept. 16/3 What is your favorite football play?.. I think I'll punt that question.

                                                • 1983 G. Steele et al. Hacker's Dict. 106 Let's punt the movie tonight.

                                                • 2005 L. LeffBuried by Times viii. 258 A divided State Department punted the issue to Treasury.



                                                This meaning, of course, developed from the practice in rugby and American football of dropping a ball and then kicking it before it hits the ground, when the player has given up on any chance of actually scoring. So you can add cross-sport insult to injury by saying:




                                                The Yankees Management had instituted a way of punting to the players...







                                                share|improve this answer



























                                                  3














                                                  In a sports context, I would have to go with punt. From the Oxford English Dictionary (unfortunately paywalled, but the intransitive version of this sense is also quoted in this answer to Can “to punt something” mean “not to do something”?):




                                                  punt, v.3



                                                  4. N. Amer. colloq.




                                                  a. intransitive. To give up, back out; to defer or avoid taking action or responsibility, to ‘pass the buck’.
                                                  [Attestations omitted]



                                                  b. transitive. To avoid, defer, or give up on. Also: to pass responsibility for (something) to.




                                                  • 1969 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 21 May 2/6 So the board decided to punt the matter over to Dist. 54.

                                                  • 1972 Odessa (Texas) Amer. 10 Sept. 16/3 What is your favorite football play?.. I think I'll punt that question.

                                                  • 1983 G. Steele et al. Hacker's Dict. 106 Let's punt the movie tonight.

                                                  • 2005 L. LeffBuried by Times viii. 258 A divided State Department punted the issue to Treasury.



                                                  This meaning, of course, developed from the practice in rugby and American football of dropping a ball and then kicking it before it hits the ground, when the player has given up on any chance of actually scoring. So you can add cross-sport insult to injury by saying:




                                                  The Yankees Management had instituted a way of punting to the players...







                                                  share|improve this answer

























                                                    3












                                                    3








                                                    3







                                                    In a sports context, I would have to go with punt. From the Oxford English Dictionary (unfortunately paywalled, but the intransitive version of this sense is also quoted in this answer to Can “to punt something” mean “not to do something”?):




                                                    punt, v.3



                                                    4. N. Amer. colloq.




                                                    a. intransitive. To give up, back out; to defer or avoid taking action or responsibility, to ‘pass the buck’.
                                                    [Attestations omitted]



                                                    b. transitive. To avoid, defer, or give up on. Also: to pass responsibility for (something) to.




                                                    • 1969 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 21 May 2/6 So the board decided to punt the matter over to Dist. 54.

                                                    • 1972 Odessa (Texas) Amer. 10 Sept. 16/3 What is your favorite football play?.. I think I'll punt that question.

                                                    • 1983 G. Steele et al. Hacker's Dict. 106 Let's punt the movie tonight.

                                                    • 2005 L. LeffBuried by Times viii. 258 A divided State Department punted the issue to Treasury.



                                                    This meaning, of course, developed from the practice in rugby and American football of dropping a ball and then kicking it before it hits the ground, when the player has given up on any chance of actually scoring. So you can add cross-sport insult to injury by saying:




                                                    The Yankees Management had instituted a way of punting to the players...







                                                    share|improve this answer













                                                    In a sports context, I would have to go with punt. From the Oxford English Dictionary (unfortunately paywalled, but the intransitive version of this sense is also quoted in this answer to Can “to punt something” mean “not to do something”?):




                                                    punt, v.3



                                                    4. N. Amer. colloq.




                                                    a. intransitive. To give up, back out; to defer or avoid taking action or responsibility, to ‘pass the buck’.
                                                    [Attestations omitted]



                                                    b. transitive. To avoid, defer, or give up on. Also: to pass responsibility for (something) to.




                                                    • 1969 Cook County (Illinois) Herald 21 May 2/6 So the board decided to punt the matter over to Dist. 54.

                                                    • 1972 Odessa (Texas) Amer. 10 Sept. 16/3 What is your favorite football play?.. I think I'll punt that question.

                                                    • 1983 G. Steele et al. Hacker's Dict. 106 Let's punt the movie tonight.

                                                    • 2005 L. LeffBuried by Times viii. 258 A divided State Department punted the issue to Treasury.



                                                    This meaning, of course, developed from the practice in rugby and American football of dropping a ball and then kicking it before it hits the ground, when the player has given up on any chance of actually scoring. So you can add cross-sport insult to injury by saying:




                                                    The Yankees Management had instituted a way of punting to the players...








                                                    share|improve this answer












                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                    answered Feb 13 at 22:05









                                                    1006a1006a

                                                    21.3k34089




                                                    21.3k34089





















                                                        2














                                                        Following @Mari-Lou A 's suggestion of the compound noun 'blame-shifting' I would suggest the compound noun 'blame-deflecting' for two reasons.



                                                        1. 'Shifting' is not quite the same concept as 'deflection'. Deflection, in the context of blame, is a well documented psychological technique and, as such, the wording should be preserved.

                                                        Deflection draws attention to the act of avoidance, rather than the end process of the 'shift', which is actually the outcome of deflection.



                                                        1. 'Deflection of blame' is such an idiomatic phrase that it's concept is best expressed by retaining its exact wording, but in compound form.

                                                        Deflection of Blame - nation.com






                                                        share|improve this answer





























                                                          2














                                                          Following @Mari-Lou A 's suggestion of the compound noun 'blame-shifting' I would suggest the compound noun 'blame-deflecting' for two reasons.



                                                          1. 'Shifting' is not quite the same concept as 'deflection'. Deflection, in the context of blame, is a well documented psychological technique and, as such, the wording should be preserved.

                                                          Deflection draws attention to the act of avoidance, rather than the end process of the 'shift', which is actually the outcome of deflection.



                                                          1. 'Deflection of blame' is such an idiomatic phrase that it's concept is best expressed by retaining its exact wording, but in compound form.

                                                          Deflection of Blame - nation.com






                                                          share|improve this answer



























                                                            2












                                                            2








                                                            2







                                                            Following @Mari-Lou A 's suggestion of the compound noun 'blame-shifting' I would suggest the compound noun 'blame-deflecting' for two reasons.



                                                            1. 'Shifting' is not quite the same concept as 'deflection'. Deflection, in the context of blame, is a well documented psychological technique and, as such, the wording should be preserved.

                                                            Deflection draws attention to the act of avoidance, rather than the end process of the 'shift', which is actually the outcome of deflection.



                                                            1. 'Deflection of blame' is such an idiomatic phrase that it's concept is best expressed by retaining its exact wording, but in compound form.

                                                            Deflection of Blame - nation.com






                                                            share|improve this answer















                                                            Following @Mari-Lou A 's suggestion of the compound noun 'blame-shifting' I would suggest the compound noun 'blame-deflecting' for two reasons.



                                                            1. 'Shifting' is not quite the same concept as 'deflection'. Deflection, in the context of blame, is a well documented psychological technique and, as such, the wording should be preserved.

                                                            Deflection draws attention to the act of avoidance, rather than the end process of the 'shift', which is actually the outcome of deflection.



                                                            1. 'Deflection of blame' is such an idiomatic phrase that it's concept is best expressed by retaining its exact wording, but in compound form.

                                                            Deflection of Blame - nation.com







                                                            share|improve this answer














                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            edited Feb 14 at 10:33

























                                                            answered Feb 13 at 15:50









                                                            Nigel JNigel J

                                                            17.3k94586




                                                            17.3k94586





















                                                                0














                                                                attribute




                                                                regard something as being caused by.




                                                                "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of attributing (the poor results) to the players (effort)"



                                                                You should note that, strictly, it doesn't mean redirecting blame, but my gut feel is that this may be the word you're looking for (even if it isn't a perfect match for your needs).






                                                                share|improve this answer



























                                                                  0














                                                                  attribute




                                                                  regard something as being caused by.




                                                                  "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of attributing (the poor results) to the players (effort)"



                                                                  You should note that, strictly, it doesn't mean redirecting blame, but my gut feel is that this may be the word you're looking for (even if it isn't a perfect match for your needs).






                                                                  share|improve this answer

























                                                                    0












                                                                    0








                                                                    0







                                                                    attribute




                                                                    regard something as being caused by.




                                                                    "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of attributing (the poor results) to the players (effort)"



                                                                    You should note that, strictly, it doesn't mean redirecting blame, but my gut feel is that this may be the word you're looking for (even if it isn't a perfect match for your needs).






                                                                    share|improve this answer













                                                                    attribute




                                                                    regard something as being caused by.




                                                                    "The Yankees Management had instituted a way of attributing (the poor results) to the players (effort)"



                                                                    You should note that, strictly, it doesn't mean redirecting blame, but my gut feel is that this may be the word you're looking for (even if it isn't a perfect match for your needs).







                                                                    share|improve this answer












                                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                                    share|improve this answer










                                                                    answered Feb 14 at 8:09









                                                                    Gregroy CurrieGregroy Currie

                                                                    1012




                                                                    1012





















                                                                        0














                                                                        Jason Bassford's excellent answer gives us the A word: assign.



                                                                        The I word you're looking for might be this one: impute.



                                                                        In Merriam-Webster, the first definition of impute is given as: "to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustly".






                                                                        share|improve this answer



























                                                                          0














                                                                          Jason Bassford's excellent answer gives us the A word: assign.



                                                                          The I word you're looking for might be this one: impute.



                                                                          In Merriam-Webster, the first definition of impute is given as: "to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustly".






                                                                          share|improve this answer

























                                                                            0












                                                                            0








                                                                            0







                                                                            Jason Bassford's excellent answer gives us the A word: assign.



                                                                            The I word you're looking for might be this one: impute.



                                                                            In Merriam-Webster, the first definition of impute is given as: "to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustly".






                                                                            share|improve this answer













                                                                            Jason Bassford's excellent answer gives us the A word: assign.



                                                                            The I word you're looking for might be this one: impute.



                                                                            In Merriam-Webster, the first definition of impute is given as: "to lay the responsibility or blame for (something) often falsely or unjustly".







                                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                                            answered Feb 15 at 22:28









                                                                            KazKaz

                                                                            4,2491017




                                                                            4,2491017















                                                                                protected by tchrist Mar 2 at 1:38



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