divert

divert

verb

Definition of DIVERT

1

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied <a light comedy to divert the tired business executive>

Synonyms disport, divert, entertain, regale, solace

Related Words absorb, busy, distract, engage, engross, immerse, interest, involve, occupy; beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, delight, enchant, enthrall (or enthral), fascinate; grip, hypnotize, intrigue, mesmerize; coddle, gratify, humor, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, please, pleasure, spoil; appease, comfort, conciliate, console, content, mollify, oblige, pacify, placate, propitiate, soothe

Near Antonyms bore, jade; drain, enervate, exhaust, fatigue, tire, wear, wear out, weary; aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, disturb, exasperate, fret, gall, grate, harass, harry, irk, nettle, peeve, perturb, pester, pique, upset, vex

2

to change the course or direction of (something) <the bike race was diverted around the construction zone>

Synonyms deflect, divert, redirect, swing, veer, wheel, whip

Related Words avert, deviate, move, rechannel, shift, shunt, sidetrack, swerve, switch, transfer; swivel, twist, whirl, zigzag; bend, curve, sway; reverse, turn back

3

to draw the attention or mind to something else <trying to divert the child with a toy while the doctor was giving her a shot>

Synonyms abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off

Related Words amuse, beguile, entertain; stray, wander

Near Antonyms concentrate, focus