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 committee gave the example of judges being diverted away from court cases to oversee inquiries.

From BBC

“We are implementing our ideals,” Newsom said in a 2022 speech, adding that expanding access to preventive care would save money by diverting people from costly emergency- room visits.

From The Wall Street Journal

The airline said four of its flights were diverted due to the explosion for refueling that night.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors are concerned that an acquisition could divert attention away from AI efforts.

From MarketWatch

It was only in the 1990s that Germany began to let its defense industry shrivel again as it diverted spending toward the welfare state.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alter
• deflect
• redirect
• switch