diversionary

[dih-vur-zhuh-ner-ee, -shuh-, dahy-]

adjective

1. tending to divert or distract the attention.

   diversionary tactics of the guerrilla fighters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversionary¹

First recorded in 1840–50; diversion + -ary

Example Sentences

Less remarked upon were the protests staged in O’Brien’s name which, at the time, were as diversionary as they were puzzling.

From Salon

County district attorney’s office said the defendant’s “youth and lack of a criminal record were among the factors considered in” offering him a diversionary plea deal.

From Los Angeles Times

“The demonstrators became unruly and as a result less lethal noise flash diversionary devices were deployed to allow law enforcement to exit the scene as safely as possible,” O’Keefe said.

From Los Angeles Times

Four of those cases did not result in charges and three were referred to a city attorney hearing, essentially a diversionary process that often ends without the filing of charges.

From Los Angeles Times

“All the smuggling I did was done with diversionary tactics. I’ve still never shot a gun. I’m trying to go all the way.”

From Los Angeles Times