despista

Despista is the third-person singular present indicative form of the Spanish verb despistar, meaning to mislead, distract, or throw off someone’s attention. It can also function as the affirmative tú imperative: despista. The verb is transitive and generally requires a direct object: despistar a alguien.

In usage, despistar describes actions intended to confuse or deceive someone, or to cause someone to lose track. It is common in contexts such as espionage or sports feints, as well as in media reporting or everyday conversation. Examples: "El espía trató de despistar a la vigilancia." "El delantero trató de despistar a la defensa con una finta." "El anuncio pareció despistar a los inversores." These illustrate both deception and feint.

Despistarse is the reflexive form and means to become distracted, lose one’s way, or be misled. Examples: "Me despisto cuando no sigo un plan." "El conductor se despistó y tomó una salida equivocada."

A related noun is despiste, meaning a lapse or slip. Related verbs include engañar, confundir, iludir, y desorientar.