diversion

American  

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

noun

1. the act of 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

Explanation

A diversion can be something that takes you off the course you are on, like a detour while you are traveling, or a game of tennis that takes you away from the stress of work. The noun diversion and the verb divert are related. Both have to do with a change of focus or direction. When you want a break from something, many diversions are welcome, like a rousing game of “twenty questions” on a long car ride. Conversely, some diversions are unwelcome, like when the guy next to you is texting during your French midterm.

Example Sentences

But these options exist only where counties have invested in pretrial services outside of law enforcement, programs such as San Francisco’s Pretrial Diversion Project.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Diversion programmes are initiatives that allow alternatives like treatment for people with mental illness who are caught up in the criminal justice system.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

The upper Green River has been inaccessible to Chinook and coho salmon and steelhead since the Tacoma Headworks Diversion Dam went into operation in the 1910s.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Diversion was what "House of Cards" offered — escapism that gave viewers a little thrill, hinting that their worst fears about how society is organized just might be true.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2024

Diversion and recreation, with the exception of reading, were unknown.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

Related Words

• amusement
• distraction
• fun
• pastime
• pleasure