divert

[dih-vurt, dahy-]

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

verb (used without object)

1. to turn aside; veer.

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

divert

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

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

Synonym Study

See amuse.

Example Sentences

Any Rams fans whose attention was diverted Sunday at SoFi Stadium by an aerial assault of bird droppings should know whom to blame.

From Los Angeles Times

Flights were also diverted in Bucharest on Sunday after a drone was sighted in airspace above the airport by pilots of a Turkish Airlines flight.

From BBC

Russia's embassy in the UK rejected the BBC's allegations, accusing Moldova and its "Western sponsors" of seeking to divert attention from Chisinau's "internal woes".

From BBC

For barrier lakes made up of harder bedrock, small blasting operations can be carried out to divert the water, he said.

From BBC

At least three flights have been diverted from Aalborg airport, with officials saying the Danish Armed Forces were affected as the airport is also used as a military base.

From BBC

Related Words

• alter 
• deflect 
• redirect 
• switch