divert

di-vert · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To cause something to change course or direction.

  2. 2.

    To distract someone from something.

  3. 3.

    To redirect money, resources, or energy to a different purpose.

  4. 4.

    To entertain or amuse.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Divert attention — To draw focus away from something.
  • •
    Divert funds — To redirect money to a different use.
  • •
    Divert traffic — To reroute vehicles.

Related words

Antonyms: concentrate, direct, focus
See also: distract, diversion, redirect
Synonyms: deflect, distract, redirect, reroute

Etymology

From Latin divertere ("to turn aside, separate"), from dis- ("aside") + vertere ("to turn"). Related to diverse and diversion.