divert

American  

[dih-vurt, dahy-] / dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /

verb (used with object)

1. to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect.

2. British. to route (traffic) on a detour.

3. to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.

4. to distract from serious occupation; entertain or amuse.

   Synonyms:

   delight

   Antonyms:

   bore

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verb (used without object)

1. to turn aside; veer.

   It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.

divert British  

/ daɪˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect

2. (tr) to entertain; amuse

3. (tr) to distract the attention of

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Related Words

See amuse.

Other Word Forms

• divertedly adverb
• diverter noun
• divertible adjective
• diverting adjective
• divertingly adverb
• divertive adjective
• predivert verb (used with object)
• redivert verb (used with object)
• undiverted adjective
• undivertible adjective

Etymology

Origin of divert

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dīvertere, from dī- di- ² + vertere “to turn”

Example Sentences

Dai’Marr Keys, who suggested community groups were diverting help from Haitians, wrote in an email that he did not stay in Springfield to confirm details because he received threats.

From Salon

Mr. Coppola doesn’t come off as much of a prize, either, but he’s somehow endearing in his shaggy-dog enthusiasm, never throwing away an idea before becoming diverted by the next.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as workers and resources were diverted away from other purposes, inflation surged, and the central bank responded by hiking borrowing costs from the middle of 2023 until late 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tuchel will also be diverting from his own history if he does stay as England head coach until the proposed date of 2028, making his tenure almost four years.

From BBC

“Those problems often involve persistent uncertainty, diverting intelligence and reconnaissance resources, and signaling resolve—rather than preparing for imminent conflict,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• alter
• deflect
• redirect
• switch