divert

American  

[dih-vurt, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /

verb (used with object)

1. to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect.

2. British.  to route (traffic) on a detour.

3. to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.

4. to distract from serious occupation; entertain or amuse.

   Synonyms:

   delight

   Antonyms:

   bore

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verb (used without object)

1. to turn aside; veer.

   It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.

divert British  

/ daɪˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect

2. (tr) to entertain; amuse

3. (tr) to distract the attention of

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Related Words

See amuse.

Other Word Forms

• divertedly adverb
• diverter noun
• divertible adjective
• diverting adjective
• divertingly adverb
• divertive adjective
• predivert verb (used with object)
• redivert verb (used with object)
• undiverted adjective
• undivertible adjective

Etymology

Origin of divert

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dīvertere, from dī- di- ² + vertere “to turn”

Example Sentences

The 18:25 service was diverted and stopped at Huntingdon - where Mr Williams was eventually arrested - after multiple 999 calls from the train.

From BBC

Authorities ordered boats to shore and diverted dozens of flights as Koto whipped up huge waves and dangerous winds, state media reported.

From Barron's

The plan includes diverting two tributaries of the River Achelous in western Greece, in addition to drilling and desalination projects.

From Barron's

This doesn’t materially improve transparency for investors, but it diverts time and money from the company’s mission of developing lifesaving therapies.

From Barron's

Belgium is currently opposing the idea of diverting these assets to Ukraine, as it fears contravening international law and being made to foot the bill should Moscow mount a legal challenge.

From BBC

Related Words

• alter
• deflect
• redirect
• switch