diversion

[ dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy- ]

noun

1. the act of diverting diverting or turning aside, as from a course or purpose:

   a diversion of industry into the war effort.

2. a channel made to divert the flow of water from one course to another or to direct the flow of water draining from a piece of ground.
3. British. a detour on a highway or road.
4. distraction from business, care, etc.; recreation; amusement; a pastime:

   Movies are his favorite diversion.

5. Military. a feint intended to draw off attention from the point of main attack.

diversion

/ daɪˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act of diverting from a specified course
2. an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed
3. something that distracts from business, etc; amusement
4. military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack

Derived Forms

• diˈversional, adjective

Other Words From

• predi·version noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversion¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin dīversiōn- (stem of dīversiō ), equivalent to Latin dīvers ( us ) diverse + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The environmental effects of L.A.’s water diversions have been a source of tension for years.

From Los Angeles Times

That includes a continued public insistence that he did not lose the 2020 election, extended rhetorical diversions during rally speeches and last-minute cancellations of media appearances that some have attributed to “exhaustion”.

From BBC

Baseball, the most American of sports, served as a desperately needed diversion.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a welcome diversion in a place — “town” is too generous a word — that has reverted to hard times.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week alone, there were at least 30 threats, resulting in diversions, cancellations and delays.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement
• distraction
• fun
• pastime
• pleasure