diversionist

[ dih-vur-zhuh-nist, -shuh-, dahy- ]

noun

1. a person engaged in activities that divert attention from a primary focus.
2. a person who deviates politically.

Other Words From

• di·version·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversionist¹

First recorded in 1935–40; diversion + -ist

Example Sentences

How could a trained KGB diversionist pass up such an opportunity?

From Forbes

Armenian border guards fought off a group of between 15 and 20 "armed diversionists" trying to "invade Armenian territory" in the Tovuz district, which borders Qazax, the ministry said.

From BBC