Meaning of the word divert in English

What does divert mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

divert

US /dɪˈvɝːt/

UK /daɪˈvɜːt/

cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another

Example:

•

The police diverted traffic away from the accident site.

•

The river was diverted to create a new reservoir.

Synonym:

redirect reroute deflect sidetrack turn aside

distract (someone or their attention) from something

Example:

•

He tried to divert her attention from the broken vase.

•

The magician used a smoke screen to divert the audience's gaze.

Synonym:

distract draw away take away turn away avert

entertain or amuse (someone)

Example:

•

The clown's antics diverted the children for hours.

•

Reading a good book can divert your mind from worries.

Synonym:

entertain amuse occupy regale delight