/ ˈdiːtʊə(r); NAmE -tʊr/ noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a longer route that you take in order to avoid a problem or to visit a place :
We had to make a detour around the flooded fields.
It's well worth making a detour to see the village.
2.
( NAmE ) = diversion
■ verb
( NAmE ) detour (to ... ) to take a longer route in order to avoid a problem or to visit a place; to make sb/sth take a longer route :
[ v ]
The President detoured to Chicago for a special meeting.
[also vn ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 18th cent. (as a noun): from French détour change of direction, from détourner turn away.