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.

   Synonyms: delight

   Antonyms: bore

verb (used without object)

1. to turn aside; veer:

   It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.

divert

/ daɪˈvɜːt /

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

Derived Forms

• diˈvertive, adjective
• diˈverter, noun
• diˈvertible, adjective
• diˈvertingly, adverb
• diˈverting, adjective

Other Words From

• di·verted·ly adverb
• di·verter noun
• di·verti·ble adjective
• predi·vert verb (used with object)
• redi·vert verb (used with object)
• undi·verted adjective
• undi·verti·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dīvertere, from dī- di- ² + vertere “to turn”

Word History and Origins

Origin of divert¹

C15: from French divertir, from Latin dīvertere to turn aside, from di- ² + vertere to turn

Synonym Study

See amuse.

Example Sentences

The vice president, who shares the residence with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, comes here with some regularity, prompting the Secret Service to divert traffic, restrict parking and take other precautions designed to keep her safe.

From Los Angeles Times

The transport operator said it had taken the "difficult decision" to divert services away from Niddrie due to "circumstances outwith their control".

From BBC

The coalition warned, however, that doing so could “further marginalize high-risk populations and divert resources from struggling facilities while simultaneously overburdening higher-level facilities.”

From Los Angeles Times

Opposition leaders in the two BJP-ruled states have criticised the new directives, saying they could be used to target Muslims and that the government was using such orders as a smokescreen to divert attention from other key problems like unemployment and sky-rocketing inflation.

From BBC

During his term, he attempted to divert federal disaster aid from the U.S. territory to help build his border wall.

From Salon

Related Words

• deter
• detract
• discourage
• distract