diversion

[dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy-]

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.

diversion

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• prediversion noun
• diversional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversion¹

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

Example Sentences

The airport's operator said the flight suspensions and diversions were "due to a possible series of balloons heading toward Vilnius Airport".

From BBC

“This is not something to play politics with. I’m grateful to the court for seeing the urgency of this dangerous diversion of homeland security funding.”

From Los Angeles Times

As governor, he would more money into treatment for substance abuse programs and diversion programs for those who commit minor crimes, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The pandemic fueled a boom in people seeking social-distanced diversion in the Great Outdoors.

From Los Angeles Times

A judge granted Lauren, 52, diversion on Thursday due to mental health issues, Los Angeles County authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amusement 
• distraction 
• fun 
• pastime 
• pleasure