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 The Flats residents will also have onsite services and programs available to them, like street outreach and diversion, case management, a food pantry, a job readiness and financial training workshop, and childcare coordination. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 In February 2022, a judge issued a criminal protective order requiring Vena to stay 100 yards away from Carbone and A. Months later, according to court records, Vena entered a 12-month diversion program involving anger management and parenting classes. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 At the time, Hill was working in a diversion program with youth offenders, and Mack was assigned to a group home where some of those youths lived. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 These jumping genes exist only in primates and have been behind this genetic diversion for millions of years. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 Noise abatement, carbon emissions, waste diversion, recycling and biodiversity are measured and tracked, and most of these data points are captured in annual sustainability reporting across the industry. Phillip Marangella, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Critics have also argued that weaker penalties for low-level drug crimes have contributed to an increase in fentanyl deaths and homelessness and have impacted participation in some diversion programs, such as drug court. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 Sudden changes, detours and fun tangents will take you in new directions that hold surprises and pleasant diversions. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2024 We were told in air only that a situation forced the diversion. Lawrence Yee, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diversion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near diversion

Cite this Entry

“Diversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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