diversion

noun di·ver·sion \ də-ˈvər-zhən , dī- , -shən \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Examples: diversion in a Sentence

Definition of diversion

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

See diversion defined for English-language learners

See diversion defined for kids

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 of diversion from the Web

That's where the summit could devolve into nothing more than a theatrical diversion.

— eric talmadge, Fox News, "Analysis: What to look for at US-North Korea summit," 10 June 2018
The actual deed is reported with such lightly amused aplomb that what could come over as sordid seems like a harmless diversion.

— allison pearson, New York Times, "A Warning to Women of a Certain Age: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Nightdress," 29 May 2018
Selfish, uncouth and married, Victor is a banker who clearly thinks of Isabelle as a fun diversion.

— bill goodykoontz, azcentral, "Juliette Binoche shines in 'Let the Sunshine In'," 17 May 2018
Everything comes back to special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election, a phony, petty diversion from what should be the real focus: prosecuting Hillary Clinton.

— olivia nuzzi, Daily Intelligencer, "Donald Trump and Sean Hannity Like to Talk Before Bedtime," 13 May 2018
Another factor was probably the nature of my job; as anyone who sits through several hours of meetings a day surely knows, staying on top of one's email becomes a welcome diversion during the many boring bits.

— ars staff, Ars Technica, "Inbox zero and the search for the perfect email client," 13 May 2018
Millions of acres of Central Valley farms and major cities are supplied in part by the Klamath, through diversions from its largest tributary, the Trinity River.

— ryan sabalow and dale kasler, sacbee, "Can an uneasy truce hold off another water rebellion on California's northern border? | The Sacramento Bee," 11 May 2018
Talk of flying cars — which are many years away from moving around actual customers, if ever — offered a diversion from Uber’s embattled autonomous-car program.

— jaclyn gallucci, Fortune, "Uber Says It Will Deliver Food by Drone in Under 30 Minutes," 10 May 2018
And arguably, the focus on checking off proportionate punishment for chemical substances represents a diversion from the issues really at stake in Syria.

— jonathan spyer, The New Republic, "The Great Distraction of Punitive Airstrikes," 15 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diversion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of diversion

see diverse

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1600

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

diversion Synonyms

DIVERSION Defined for English Language Learners

diversion

noun

Definition of diversion for English Language Learners

: the act of changing the direction or use of something : the act of diverting something
: something that people do because it is enjoyable, entertaining, or pleasant
: something that takes attention away from what is happening

DIVERSION Defined for Kids

diversion

noun di·ver·sion \ də-ˈvər-zhən , dī- \

Definition of diversion for Students

1 : an act or instance of changing the direction or use of

diversion of the river

2 : something that relaxes, distracts, or entertains

The city offers many diversions for visitors.

Law Dictionary

diversion

noun di·ver·sion \ də-ˈvər-zhən, dī- \

legal Definition of diversion

: 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

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