diversion

[dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy-]

noun

1. the act of diverting diverting or turning aside, as from a course or purpose.

   a diversion of industry into the war effort.

2. a channel made to divert the flow of water from one course to another or to direct the flow of water draining from a piece of ground.

3. British.,  a detour on a highway or road.

4. distraction from business, care, etc.; recreation; amusement; a pastime.

   Movies are his favorite diversion.

5. Military.,  a feint intended to draw off attention from the point of main attack.

diversion

/ daɪˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act of diverting from a specified course

2. an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed

3. something that distracts from business, etc; amusement

4. military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack

Other Word Forms

• prediversion noun
• diversional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversion¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin dīversiōn- (stem of dīversiō ), equivalent to Latin dīvers ( us ) diverse + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The airport's operator said the flight suspensions and diversions were "due to a possible series of balloons heading toward Vilnius Airport".

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“This is not something to play politics with. I’m grateful to the court for seeing the urgency of this dangerous diversion of homeland security funding.”

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As governor, he would more money into treatment for substance abuse programs and diversion programs for those who commit minor crimes, he said.

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The pandemic fueled a boom in people seeking social-distanced diversion in the Great Outdoors.

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A judge granted Lauren, 52, diversion on Thursday due to mental health issues, Los Angeles County authorities said.

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Related Words

• amusement 
• distraction 
• fun 
• pastime 
• pleasure