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divert

[ dih-vurt, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /
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See synonyms for: divert / diverted / diverting 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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Origin of divert

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

synonym study for divert

4. See amuse.

OTHER WORDS FROM divert

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use divert in a sentence

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 of divert

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
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