Dictionary.com

diversion

[ dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən, daɪ- /
Save This Word!

noun
the act of diverting or turning aside, as from a course or purpose: a diversion of industry into the war effort.
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.
British. a detour on a highway or road.
distraction from business, care, etc.; recreation; amusement; a pastime: Movies are his favorite diversion.
Military. a feint intended to draw off attention from the point of main attack.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of diversion

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

OTHER WORDS FROM diversion

pre·di·ver·sion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use diversion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for diversion

diversion
/ (daɪˈvɜːʃən) /

noun
the act of diverting from a specified course
mainly British an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed
something that distracts from business, etc; amusement
military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack

Derived forms of diversion

diversional or diversionary, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK