Main Entry:

di·vert

Pronunciation:

\də-ˈvərt, dī-\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French divertir, from Latin divertere to turn in opposite directions, from dis- + vertere to turn — more at worth

Date:

15th century

intransitive verb: to turn aside : deviate <studied law but diverted to diplomacy>transitive verb1 a: to turn from one course or use to another : deflect <divert traffic to a side street> b: distract <trying to divert her attention>2: to give pleasure to especially by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses

synonyms see amuse