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

We come to a confused stop, right where the path makes its ninety-degree detour.

Read more on Literature

Instead, she took a detour that brought her to the entry hall of Ashton Place.

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And there was something about his company that made Penelope feel a bit fluttery on the inside, as if a flock of warblers on the wing had taken a detour through her tummy.

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Drivers traveling from Inyo County to northern Mono County or Nevada were advised to use Highway 6 in Bishop as a detour.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mainly the trip to this trompe l’oeil house of mystery feels like a detour, though Mr. Freeman’s presence makes it bearable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deviation 
• diversion