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divert

[ dih-vurt, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜrt, daɪ- /
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See synonyms for: divert / diverted / diverting 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.
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Origin of divert

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

synonym study for divert

4. See amuse.

OTHER WORDS FROM divert

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to divert

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

How to use divert in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for divert

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

Derived forms of divert

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
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