/ daɪˈvɜːʃn; NAmE -ˈvɜːrʒn/ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the act of changing the direction that sb/sth is following, or what sth is used for :
a river diversion project
We made a short diversion to go and look at the castle.
the diversion of funds from the public to the private sector of industry
2.
[ C ] something that takes your attention away from sb/sth while sth else is happening :
For the government, the war was a welcome diversion from the country's economic problems.
A smoke bomb created a diversion while the robbery took place.
3.
[ C ] ( BrE ) ( NAmE de·tour ) a road or route that is used when the usual one is closed :
Diversions will be signposted.
4.
[ C ] ( formal ) an activity that is done for pleasure, especially because it takes your attention away from sth else
SYN distraction :
The party will make a pleasant diversion.
The city is full of diversions.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from late Latin diversio(n-) , from Latin divertere turn aside, from di- aside + vertere to turn.