definitions

divert

[ dih-vurt, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR divert ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect.
British. to route (traffic) on a detour.
to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.
to distract from serious occupation; entertain or amuse.

verb (used without object)

to turn aside; veer: It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.

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RELATED WORDS

switch, alter, deflect, redirect, discourage, detract, distract, deter, wheel, whirl, sheer, avert, veer, modify, swerve, change, pivot, whip, gratify, relax

Nearby words

diversion, diversional, diversionary, diversionist, diversity, divert, diverticular disease, diverticulectomy, diverticulitis, diverticuloma, diverticulosis

Origin of divert

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin dīvertere, equivalent to dī- di-2 + vertere to turn
Related forms

Synonym study

4. See amuse.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for divert

British Dictionary definitions for divert

divert

/ (daɪˈvɜːt) /

verb

to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect
(tr) to entertain; amuse
(tr) to distract the attention of
Derived Forms

Word Origin for divert

C15: from French divertir, from Latin dīvertere to turn aside, from di- ² + vertere to turn
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

Word Origin and History for divert

divert

v.

early 15c., from Middle French divertir (14c.), from Latin divertere "to turn in different directions," blended with devertere "turn aside," from dis- "aside" and de- "from" + vertere "to turn" (see versus). Related: Diverted; diverting.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper