Divert

/dɪˈvɜːrt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To turn aside or change the direction of something.
The heavy rains diverted the river from its usual course.
To distract or entertain someone.
She used a funny movie to divert her children while she finished her work.
To cause (someone) to change course from the original plan.
The unexpected road closure diverted traffic to alternate routes.
To redirect something, especially to a different use.
The charity decided to divert funds from the event to assist disaster relief efforts.

Etymology

From Latin 'divertĕre', meaning 'to turn aside'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

divert attention
To cause someone to focus on something else.
divert traffic
To redirect vehicles from their usual route.
divert resources
To allocate resources to a different use.

Related Words

diversion
An activity that diverts attention or provides enjoyment.
divide
To separate or distribute into parts.

Slang Meanings