divert

[ dih-vurt, dahy- ]

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

verb (used without object)

1. to turn aside; veer:

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

divert

/ 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

Derived Forms

• diˈvertive, adjective
• diˈverter, noun
• diˈvertible, adjective
• diˈvertingly, adverb
• diˈverting, adjective

Other Words From

• di·verted·ly adverb
• di·verter noun
• di·verti·ble adjective
• predi·vert verb (used with object)
• redi·vert verb (used with object)
• undi·verted adjective
• undi·verti·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

C15: from French divertir, from Latin dīvertere to turn aside, from di- ² + vertere to turn

Synonym Study

See amuse.

Example Sentences

But the fact that they have had to divert funds and resources for Ebola means their original objectives have been sidetracked.

From The Daily Beast

Three planes have been forced to divert because of fights over reclining seats.

From The Daily Beast

Next to you is a signal switch that will divert the train down a sidetrack or “spur.”

From The Daily Beast

It was either cut pensions and benefits or lay off workers and divert money from schools and infrastructure.

From The Daily Beast

We resolve to stay the course, even when storms try to divert us.

From The Daily Beast

Hunter-Weston despite his heavy losses will be advancing to-morrow which should divert pressure from you.

From Project Gutenberg

Margaret tried to talk of other things, but was in too much discomfort to exert herself enough to divert his attention.

From Project Gutenberg

He is a man who takes life seriously, and whom nothing will divert from the road that leads to the goal.

From Project Gutenberg

"Ritchie can take excellent care of me," she continued, most anxious to divert his thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a deep-seeing eye, and he saw that she was boldly trying to divert his belief or suspicion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deter
• detract
• discourage
• distract