Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

divert

 - 4 dictionary results

di⋅vert

  [di-vurt, dahy-]
Use divert in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to turn aside or from a path or course; deflect.
2. British. to route (traffic) on a detour.
3. to draw off to a different course, purpose, etc.
4. to distract from serious occupation; entertain or amuse.
–verb (used without object)
5. to turn aside; veer: It is sad to see so much talent divert to trivial occupations.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME < L dīvertere, equiv. to dī- di- 2 + vertere to turn

Related forms:
di⋅vert⋅ed⋅ly, adverb
di⋅vert⋅er, noun
di⋅vert⋅i⋅ble, adjective

Synonyms:
4. delight. See amuse.

Antonyms:
4. bore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To divert
di·vert   (dĭ-vûrt', dī-)   
v.   di·vert·ed, di·vert·ing, di·verts

v.   tr.

  1. To turn aside from a course or direction: Traffic was diverted around the scene of the accident.

  2. To distract: My attention was diverted by an argument between motorists.

  3. To entertain by distracting the attention from worrisome thoughts or cares; amuse. See Synonyms at amuse.

v.   intr.
To turn aside.

[Middle English diverten, from Old French divertir, from Latin dīvertere : dī-, dis-, aside; see dis- + vertere, to turn; see wer-2 in Indo-European roots.]
di·vert'er n., di·vert'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

divert 
1430, from M.Fr. divertir, from L. divertere "in different directions," blended with devertere "turn aside," from dis- "aside" and de- "from" + vertere "to turn" (see versus).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: di·vert
Pronunciation: d&-'v&rt, dI-
Function: transitive verb
1 : to turn from one course or use to another diverted>
2 : to place (a defendant) under a diversion —di·vert·er noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see divert on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way