divert

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To turn aside from a course.

   The workers diverted the stream away from the road.

2. 2
   verb

   To distract.

   Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.

3. 3
   verb

   To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)

   We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.

4. 4
   verb

   To turn aside; to digress.

   I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces.

5. 5
   verb

   send on a course or in a direction different from the planned or intended one

6. 6
   verb

   turn aside

7. 7
   verb

   withdraw (money) and move into a different location, often secretly and with dishonest intentions

8. 8
   verb

   occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

Etymology

From Middle English diverten, Old French divertir (“to turn or go different ways, part, separate, divert”), from Latin di- (“apart”) + vertere (“to turn”); see verse.