divert/distract attention

phrase

: to try to keep people from noticing or thinking about something

He was trying to divert/distract attention away from his friend's mistake.

Examples of divert/distract attention in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Emily Hilliard, an HHS spokesperson, did not answer questions about strategies to divert attention away from Kennedy’s anti-vaccine efforts. — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026

Endless overseas conflicts put American lives at risk, drain our resources and divert attention from domestic priorities. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026

This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026

Critics find that the surge of anti-speculative ticketing bills around the country is a way for Ticketmaster to divert attention from its own legal troubles and shift attention onto the resale market. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026