diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən 

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

Synonyms

• delight
• distraction
• divertissement
• entertainment
• fun
• pleasure
• recreation

Example Sentences

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

While attention has focused on the possible theft or diversion of American weapons, US officials take comfort in the fact that Ukraine has an urgent incentive to throw every available armament against the invading Russians. —Michael Crowley And Edward Wong, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Jan. 2023

While attention has focused on the possible theft or diversion of American weapons, U.S. officials take comfort in the fact that Ukraine has an urgent incentive to throw every available armament against the invading Russians. —Edward Wong, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2023

The state is working with counties to reduce the wait through programs to encourage diversion and collaboration throughout the criminal justice process, HHSC spokesperson Tiffany Young said last month. —Dallas News, 25 Jan. 2023

Alex Tep, of The Preuss School, worked with SD2 directors and mentor Satsuki Shumate, a corporate diversion and inclusion manager, on his college applications and the interview process. —Diane Bellcolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2023

Similarly, citizens voting on a new river-diversion project might initially favor cheaper water. —Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2023

Grohs went through diversion for DUII in Portland in 2013, court records show. —oregonlive, 20 Jan. 2023

The settlement resolves a lawsuit that alleged the pharmacy chain failed to maintain effective controls against diversion that contributed to oversupply of opioids in the state. —Leah Willingham, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2023

Early indications also point to the laser lightning rods’ diversion range being much wider than traditional metal rods, which ostensibly cover an area about twice as wide as the rod is tall. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Jan. 2023

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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

Kids Definition

diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən 

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- 

: 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

-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə- 

adjective