Divert
To cause something to move in a different direction or to distract or entertain someone by redirecting their attention.
verbDivert
To cause something to move in a different direction or to distract or entertain someone by redirecting their attention.
verbImagine This
Picture a road crew placing bright orange detour signs that divert traffic away from a blocked street, sending cars along a safer, alternate route.
Sounds Like
dih-VURT
Looks Like
diversion, diverge (shared root related to turning or changing course)
Remember This
Divert originates from Latin divertere, meaning to turn aside (di- = away, vertere = to turn).
Other Forms
Connect With
redirect, reroute, distract, detour, diversion
Note
Divert is transitive: you divert something (or someone) and can be used with attention, funds, or routes. It is different from defer (to postpone) and from diverge (to differ in direction or opinion).