detour

American  

[dee-toor, dih-toor] / ˈdi tʊər, dɪˈtʊər /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈdiːtʊə /

noun

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of detour

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

Example Sentences

Those musical detours are crucial to breaking up the episodes into distinct sections and provide renewed points of interaction in videos that often last between 40 minutes and an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

Far from a mere detour, ‘Sinners’’ monumental musical sequence is ‘maybe the most important scene in the movie,’ says Ryan Coogler.

From Los Angeles Times

Alex studied the map and decided he was right: Nim’s island was too far away for a detour in this little plane.

From Literature

The alert system puts in place precautions including around-the-clock maintenance of the roadway and possible closure and detours around the Grapevine.

From Los Angeles Times

This detour into horror is only temporary, but there’s no clear destination in sight.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deviation
• diversion