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

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

Russia's defence ministry said it intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including some approaching Moscow, which forced flights to be diverted from three of the capital's major airports.

From BBC

Russia's defence ministry also said it intercepted 70 Ukrainian drones over six regions, including some approaching Moscow which forced flights to be diverted from three of the capital's major airports.

From BBC

Now, with the surge in memecoins, we are seeing even more funds diverted to charities.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• deter
• detract
• discourage
• distract