verb (used with object)
- to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect.
- British. to route (traffic) on a detour.
- to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.
- to distract from serious occupation; entertain or amuse.
verb (used without object)
- to turn aside; veer: It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.
verb
- to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect
- (tr) to entertain; amuse
- (tr) to distract the attention of
early 15c., from Middle French divertir (14c.), from Latin divertere “to turn in different directions,” blended with devertere “turn aside,” from dis- “aside” and de- “from” + vertere “to turn” (see versus). Related: Diverted; diverting.