diversion

American  

[dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən, daɪ- /

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.

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diversion British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• diversional adjective
• prediversion noun

Etymology

Origin of diversion

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

Example Sentences

Super Micro Computer stock rose after the company announced an investigation into alleged server diversion.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Domestically, logistics players could benefit from the booming e-commerce and trade diversion due to the U.S.-China trade tensions, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In December, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge granted her diversion due to mental health issues, sparing her potential jail time.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

In other words, a diversion of funds from bucket one to bucket two.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Apparently Leo’s diversion with Buford the end table hadn’t worked—at least not for long.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• amusement
• distraction
• fun
• pastime
• pleasure