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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.
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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.
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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

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

Examples from the Web for diverter

Historical Examples of diverter

  • Diversion of water from an irrigation ditch in which the diverter has no interest is not a very serious offense.

    Ifugao Law

    R. F. Burton

  • Edna Hill developed new resources as an encourager, a diverter, and an unfailing optimist in regard to the outcome.

    The Mystery of Murray Davenport

    Robert Neilson Stephens

British Dictionary definitions for diverter

divert

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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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 diverter

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