noun
- a roundabout or circuitous way or course, especially one used temporarily when the main route is closed.
- an indirect or roundabout procedure, path, etc.
verb (used without object)
- to make a detour; go by way of a detour.
verb (used with object)
- to cause to make a detour.
- to make a detour around: We detoured Birmingham.
noun
- a deviation from a direct, usually shorter route or course of action
verb
- to deviate or cause to deviate from a direct route or course of action
1738, from French détour, from Old French destor “side road, byway; evasion, excuse,” from destorner “turn aside,” from des- “aside” + tourner “to turn” (see turn (v.)).
1836 (intransitive); 1905 (transitive), from detour (n.). Related: Detoured; detouring.