də̇ˈvər]zhən, dīˈ-, -və̄], -vəi], Brit often & US sometimes ]shən noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Middle French, from Late Latin diversion-, diversio, from Latin diversus (past participle of divertere to turn aside, go different ways, differ) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at divert
1.
a. : the act or an instance of diverting from one course or use to another
charged the board with diversion of public funds
b. : the act or an instance of diverting (as the mind or attention) from some activity or concern
recommended diversion of his mind from business
c. : a turning aside of one's attention, course, or concern : deviation , digression
a diversion from the main highway
mars the story by a diversion into irrelevant material
2.
a. : something that turns the mind from serious concerns or ordinary matters and relaxes or amuses : relaxation , amusement , pastime
hiking is a favorite diversion
b. : the turning of the mind to pleasure : the act of receiving pleasure or amusement
life consisted … entirely of diversion — V.G.Heiser
a play performed for our diversion
c. : variation 5
3. : the act or an instance of drawing the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation (as by an attack or feint which diverts attention)
4.
a. : the act or process of changing the route or destination of a shipment while in transit — compare reconsignment
b. Britain : detour
c. : a channel constructed to divert water from one course or body of water to another