I. ˈdēˌtu̇(ə)r, dēˈt-, də̇ˈt-, -u̇ə noun
( -s )
Etymology: French détour, from Old French destor, from destorner, destourner to divert, turn aside, from des- de- + torner, tourner to turn — more at turn
: a turning aside : a circuitous route : a deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure
the detours of the Mississippi
specifically : a roundabout way temporarily replacing part of a route
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
: to proceed by a detour
pits intervened and obliged the party to detour around them
transitive verb
1. : to send by a circuitous route : deflect from a straight course
heavy trucks were detoured to avoid the bridge
2. : to avoid by going around : bypass
either flying above or detouring storms