diversion

[dih-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, dahy-]

noun

1. the act of diverting diverting or turning aside, as from a course or purpose.

   a diversion of industry into the war effort.

2. a channel made to divert the flow of water from one course to another or to direct the flow of water draining from a piece of ground.

3. British.,  a detour on a highway or road.

4. distraction from business, care, etc.; recreation; amusement; a pastime.

   Movies are his favorite diversion.

5. Military.,  a feint intended to draw off attention from the point of main attack.

diversion

/ daɪˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act of diverting from a specified course

2. an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed

3. something that distracts from business, etc; amusement

4. military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack

Other Word Forms

• prediversion noun
• diversional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diversion¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin dīversiōn- (stem of dīversiō ), equivalent to Latin dīvers ( us ) diverse + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for Translink said: "There is currently no disruption to services with some diversions in place."

From BBC

There are multiple road diversions and subway line closures, which have effectively paralysed transport into and out of the city centre.

From BBC

Stagecoach South West said the landslide had disrupted its bus services into Modbury and a diversion had to be put in place.

From BBC

Despite signs advising that there is no access for vehicles over a certain weight limit, HGVs have been using the village as a diversion route.

From BBC

"We can expect the diversion of trade, with US buyers moving to Mexico, Vietnam and Bangladesh," said Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement 
• distraction 
• fun 
• pastime 
• pleasure