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

Other Word Forms

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

Thursday's flight saw a regular deportation flight bound for Eastern Europe diverted to France to offload nine people.

Read more on BBC

Crews have refused aircraft, abandoned takeoffs or diverted because fumes had filled their cabins.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“The euro area’s trade deficit with China has risen by around 10% this year, although this was driven more by weaker Chinese demand than by diverted trade flows,” she said.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In three guidance letters so far this year, the agency encouraged states to divert some Title I money away from public school districts.

Read more on Salon

In their letter, they said FireAid has “come under scrutiny for diverting donations to nonprofits instead of providing direct relief to fire victims.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alter 
• deflect 
• redirect 
• switch