[di.vert] vb [ME, fr. MF & L; MF divertir, fr. L divertere to turn in opposite directions, fr. dis- + vertere to turn--more at worth] vi (15c): to turn aside: deviate "studied law but ~ed to diplomacy" ~ vt 1 a: to turn from one course or use to another: deflect b: distract
2: to give pleasure to esp. by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses syn see amuse