verb (used without object)
- to deviate or wander away from the main topic or purpose in speaking or writing; depart from the principal line of argument, plot, study, etc.
- Archaic. to turn aside.
verb (intr)
- to depart from the main subject in speech or writing
- to wander from one’s path or main direction
1520s, from Latin digressus, past participle of digredi “to go aside, depart” (see digression), or perhaps a back-formation from digression. Related: Digressed; digressing.