detour

[dee-toor, dih-toor]

noun

1. a roundabout or circuitous way or course, especially one used temporarily when the main route is closed.

2. an indirect or roundabout procedure, path, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a detour; go by way of a detour.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to make a detour.

2. to make a detour around.

   We detoured Birmingham.

detour

/ ˈdiːtʊə /

noun

1. a deviation from a direct, usually shorter route or course of action

verb

1. to deviate or cause to deviate from a direct route or course of action

Word History and Origins

Origin of detour¹

1730–40 < French détour, Old French destor, derivative of destorner to turn aside, equivalent to des- de- + torner to turn

Word History and Origins

Origin of detour¹

C18: from French détour, from Old French destorner to divert, turn away, from des- _de- + torner to _turn

Example Sentences

But for all of them, their time north of the border was little more than a detour in a career built in the U.S.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The book’s complex subject matter benefits from historical detours and more contemporary material, including an account of how the participants in the popular TV show “The Biggest Loser” have fared through the years.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

"The main problem is getting to and from Bangor - we now have to do a four mile detour over the Britannia Bridge," he said.

Read more on BBC

“Cowboys and Angels” is laid-back and jazzy, while the humid “Soul Free” similarly boasts funky flutes and a falsetto detour, and acoustic guitars and warm harmonies give “Heal the Pain” a Beatles-esque feel.

Read more on Salon

Preliminary detour routes would send commuters, tourists and cargo through Harry Bridges Boulevard in Wilmington and on the 110 and 405 freeways.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deviation 
• diversion