detour

American  

[dee-toor, dih-toor] / ˈdi tʊər, dɪˈtʊər /

noun

1. a roundabout or circuitous way or course, especially one used temporarily when the main route is closed.

2. an indirect or roundabout procedure, path, etc.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to make a detour; go by way of a detour.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to make a detour.

2. to make a detour around.

   We detoured Birmingham.

detour British  

/ ˈdiːtʊə /

noun

1. a deviation from a direct, usually shorter route or course of action

---

verb

1. to deviate or cause to deviate from a direct route or course of action

Etymology

Origin of detour

1730–40 < French détour, Old French destor, derivative of destorner to turn aside, equivalent to des- de- + torner to turn

Related Words

• deviation
• diversion