divert

[dih-vurt, dahy-]

See more synonyms for divert 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.

Origin of divert

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

Related formsdi·vert·ed·ly, adverbdi·vert·er, noundi·vert·i·ble, adjectivepre·di·vert, verb (used with object)re·di·vert, verb (used with object)un·di·vert·ed, adjectiveun·di·vert·i·ble, adjective

Synonyms for divert

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4. delight.

Synonym study

4. See amuse.

Antonyms for divert

4. bore.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for divert

switch, alter, deflect, redirect, discourage, detract, distract, deter, wheel, whirl, sheer, avert, veer, modify, swerve, change, pivot, whip, gratify, relax

Examples from the Web for divert

Contemporary Examples of divert

But the fact that they have had to divert funds and resources for Ebola means their original objectives have been sidetracked.
What’s Worse Than Ebola in West Africa? Almost Everything
Barbie Latza Nadeau
October 23, 2014
Three planes have been forced to divert because of fights over reclining seats.
Solution to Seat Rage: No More Reclining
Will Doig
September 4, 2014
Next to you is a signal switch that will divert the train down a sidetrack or “spur.”
Would You Kill the Fat Man? And Other Conundrums
Robert Herritt
December 6, 2013
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.
Why Favoritism Is Virtuous: The Case Against Fairness
Stephen T. Asma
December 7, 2012

Historical Examples of divert

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 Corner
Henry Seton Merriman
I am not seeking to divert his fury from myself, but to confine it to myself.
The Cavalier
George Washington Cable
In every possible way he sought to divert his companion's mind.
Southern Lights and Shadows
Various
The Merouls, greatly put out, attempted to divert his thoughts.
A Comedy of Marriage and Other Tales
Guy De Maupassant

British Dictionary definitions for divert

divert

verb

to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect
(tr) to entertain; amuse
(tr) to distract the attention of

Derived Formsdiverter, noundivertible, adjectivediverting, adjectivedivertingly, adverbdivertive, adjective

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

Word Origin and History for divert

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.