diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio)
dī-,
-shən
1
: the act or an instance of diverting or straying from a course, activity, or use : deviation
Bad weather forced the diversion of several flights.
2
: something that diverts or amuses : pastime
Hiking is one of her favorite diversions.
a welcome diversion from the pressures of the job
3
: an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation
You create a diversion while I sneak inside the building.
4
British : a temporary traffic detour

Examples of diversion in a Sentence

small diversions of river water for irrigation Hiking is one of my favorite diversions. Our town offers few diversions. Sports provide him with a welcome diversion from the pressures of his job. He created a diversion while his partner stole her pocketbook.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new regulations include a diversion program that refers first-time violators to an online safety course. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025 Twenty years later, grant funding from the Department of Justice has set up 61 treatment courts and 30 diversion programs across Wisconsin. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025 The diversion program brings people to mental health and substance abuse care centers instead of the hospital or jail. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Officials noted that there were three flight diversions from Chicago into the Indianapolis airport due to the weather. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for diversion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dyversioun "process of diverting superfluous humors," borrowed from Late Latin dīversiōn-, dīversiō "turning away," from Latin dīvertere "to separate oneself (from), be different" and dēvertere "to turn away, divert" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at divert

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diversion was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversion. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio)
dī-
1
: the act or an instance of diverting or turning aside
2
: something that relaxes, amuses, or entertains
diversionary
-zhə-ˌner-ē
adjective

Legal Definition

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən, dī- How to pronounce diversion (audio)
: the act or an instance of diverting: as
a
: an unauthorized rerouting or appropriation
diversion of funds
b
: suspension of the prosecution of a charge for a period of time during which the defendant participates in a rehabilitation program or makes restitution and after which the charges are dismissed if the rehabilitation or restitution is completed compare probation
diversionary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on diversion

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