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View synonyms for

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:
    Antonyms:


verb (used without object)

  1. to turn aside; veer.

    It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.

divert

/ 岹ɪˈɜː /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • divertedly adverb
  • diverter noun
  • divertible adjective
  • predivert verb (used with object)
  • redivert verb (used with object)
  • undiverted adjective
  • undivertible adjective
  • 徱ˈپ adjective
  • 徱ˈٱ noun
  • 徱ˈپ adjective
  • 徱ˈپԲ adverb
  • 徱ˈپԲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of divert1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin īٱ, from ī- di- 2 + vertere “to turn”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of divert1

C15: from French divertir, from Latin īٱ to turn aside, from di- ² + vertere to turn
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Synonym Study

See amuse.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Violence and widespread property damage at protests in downtown L.A. have diverted public attention away from the focus of the demonstrations — large-scale immigration sweeps in such predominantly Latino cities as Paramount, Huntington Park and Whittier.

From

"But then it's diverted by organised crime groups into illicit supply."

From

At a time when our emergency services are already stretched thin, these acts divert critical police resources away from real emergencies and put lives at risk.

From

It is part of a new aid system - widely condemned by humanitarian groups - aimed at circumventing the UN which Israel has accused of failing to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies to its fighters.

From

Government funds earmarked for the city's sky-train were diverted to Sheffield where the more grounded and cheaper South Yorkshire Supertram won the backing of ministers.

From

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