Divert

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /daɪˈvɜː(ɹ)t/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)t

Origin

From Middle English diverten, from Old French divertir ("to turn or go different ways, part, separate, divert"), from Latin di- ("apart") + vertere ("to turn"); see verse.

Full definition of divert

Verb

1. (transitive) To turn aside from a course.The workers diverted the stream away from the road.
• Miltonthat crude apple that diverted Eve
2. (transitive) To distract.Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.
3. (transitive) To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)
• C. J. SmithWe are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.
4. (obsolete, intransitive) To turn aside; to digress.I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. — Evelyn.

Synonyms

• (to lead away from a course) offlead

Related terms

• diversion
• diversity
• diverse