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

SB 1383 requires that 75% of organic waste be diverted away from landfills by the end of the year and instead turned into compost.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said airlines that do not comply will be told to divert, and claimed several aircraft had already been rerouted.

Read more on BBC

But the Biden IRS took the study as permission to launch, and it diverted enough funds from taxpayer service and other uses to commit $114 million to Direct File in 2024.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the Fed’s mandate isn’t to fix inequality and such concerns ultimately shouldn’t divert the central bank from easing over the longer term.

Read more on Barron's

While interviewing residents, Johnson asserted that local government is diverting money that should be used for public safety and immigration enforcement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alter 
• deflect 
• redirect 
• switch