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 chief executive of a school for children with special educational needs appears to have diverted public money into other business interests linked to him and his family.

From BBC

During his first term, Trump bypassed Congress to divert Pentagon funds to expand the border wall by declaring a national emergency.

From Los Angeles Times

With the possibility of a second East Coast strike looming in the new year if dockworkers and port owners can’t agree on a contract, importers are diverting their goods to Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

"The amount of energy diverted to the biodiesel precursor, lipid, is even lower as lipid has high energy intensity," he said.

From Science Daily

Spirit Airlines Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale in Florida was diverted to the neighbouring Dominican Republic where it landed safely at Santiago Airport.

From BBC

Related Words

• deter
• detract
• discourage
• distract