divert
[dih-vurt, dahy-]
- 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.
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- to turn aside; veer: It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.
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Origin of divert
Synonyms
See more synonyms for divert on Thesaurus.com4. delight.
Synonym study
4. See amuse.
Antonyms
4. bore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for divert
Contemporary Examples
But the fact that they have had to divert funds and resources for Ebola means their original objectives have been sidetracked.
Three planes have been forced to divert because of fights over reclining seats.
Next to you is a signal switch that will divert the train down a sidetrack or “spur.”
It was either cut pensions and benefits or lay off workers and divert money from schools and infrastructure.
Scott Walker Is the Perfect Republican Candidate for 2016 (on Paper)David Freedlander
November 20, 2013
We resolve to stay the course, even when storms try to divert us.
Historical Examples
Yet I love to divert myself with such grotesque characters too.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
He uncrossed his legs, and made a feeble attempt to divert her thoughts.
Roden's CornerHenry Seton Merriman
I am not seeking to divert his fury from myself, but to confine it to myself.
The CavalierGeorge Washington Cable
In every possible way he sought to divert his companion's mind.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
The Merouls, greatly put out, attempted to divert his thoughts.
A Comedy of Marriage and Other TalesGuy De Maupassant
divert
- to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect
- (tr) to entertain; amuse
- (tr) to distract the attention of
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Word Origin
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
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper