di·vert

[dih-vurt, dahy-]
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.
00:10
Divert is one of our favorite verbs.
So is skedaddle. Does it mean:
to run away hurriedly; flee.
to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.

Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin dīvertere, equivalent to dī- di-2 + vertere to turn

di·vert·ed·ly, adverb
di·vert·er, noun
di·vert·i·ble, adjective
pre·di·vert, verb (used with object)
re·di·vert, verb (used with object)
un·di·vert·ed, adjective
un·di·vert·i·ble, adjective


4. delight. See amuse.


4. bore.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
divert (daɪˈvɜːt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect
2.  (tr) to entertain; amuse
3.  (tr) to distract the attention of
 
[C15: from French divertir, from Latin dīvertere to turn aside, from di-² + vertere to turn]
 
di'verter
 
n
 
di'vertible
 
adj
 
di'verting
 
adj
 
di'vertingly
 
adv
 
di'vertive
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

divert
early 15c., 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). Related: Diverted; diverting.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Instead, he is known chiefly for lighthearted music that is meant to divert, to
  entertain.
Either way, it means a tactic intended to divert attention away from something.
Her stunned father bought her an accordion, hoping to divert her energies into
  music.
The decision was made to continue the journey rather than divert to the nearest
  airport.
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