I. də̇ˈvər]t, dīˈ-, -və̄], -vəi], usu ]d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English diverten, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French divertir, from Latin divertere (also divortere ) to turn aside, go different ways, differ, from di- (from dis- away, apart) + vertere to turn — more at worth
intransitive verb
: to turn aside from a course or purpose : deviate
traffic was forced to divert to side streets
was trained as a surgeon, but diverted to diplomacy
: digress
diverted drearily to the figure he would cut — George Meredith
transitive verb
1.
a. : to turn from one course, direction, objective, or use to another
divert a stream to a new channel
divert tax money to his own pocket
: turn aside : deflect
divert calamity from his own head
b. : to turn or draw (as the mind or the attention) from one occupation or concern to another : distract
grief did not divert him from his duty
Bunker Hill … had diverted General Gage's mind — Kenneth Roberts
2.
a. : to give pleasure or amusement to : entertain
the people diverted themselves with games
b. : excite mirth in
he was diverted, though his face betrayed no sign of his amusement — C.B.Kelland
3. archaic : to while away (the time)
Synonyms: see amuse , dissuade , turn
II. diˈvert noun
( -s )
Scotland : entertainment , diversion