diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən 

dī-,

-shən

1

: the act or an instance of diverting or straying from a course, activity, or use : deviation

Bad weather forced the diversion of several flights.

2

: something that diverts or amuses : pastime

Hiking is one of her favorite diversions.

a welcome diversion from the pressures of the job

3

: an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation

You create a diversion while I sneak inside the building.

4

British : a temporary traffic detour

Synonyms

• delight
• distraction
• divertissement
• entertainment
• fun
• pleasure
• recreation

Examples of diversion in a Sentence

small diversions of river water for irrigation

Hiking is one of my favorite diversions.

Our town offers few diversions.

Sports provide him with a welcome diversion from the pressures of his job.

He created a diversion while his partner stole her pocketbook.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the New York Post, prosecutors agreed to drop the case following Damon's completion of a pre-trial diversion program. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

In a diversion from the micro bag trend, slouchy silhouettes have reemerged on the runway, with labels like Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Tory Burch favoring roomier models. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

But federal immigration courts do not typically recognize dismissals that follow the successful completion of such diversion programs, Ruiz said. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024

In 2016, Kumar developed and patented a method using autoencoder neural networks to analyze medication administration records, aiming to identify potential drug diversion cases by floor nurses. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dyversioun "process of diverting superfluous humors," borrowed from Late Latin dīversiōn-, dīversiō "turning away," from Latin dīvertere "to separate oneself (from), be different" and dēvertere "to turn away, divert" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at divert

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən 

dī-

1

: the act or an instance of diverting or turning aside

2

: something that relaxes, amuses, or entertains

diversionary

-zhə-ˌner-ē

adjective

Legal Definition

diversion

noun

di·​ver·​sion də-ˈvər-zhən, dī- 

: the act or an instance of diverting: as

a

: an unauthorized rerouting or appropriation

diversion of funds

b

: suspension of the prosecution of a charge for a period of time during which the defendant participates in a rehabilitation program or makes restitution and after which the charges are dismissed if the rehabilitation or restitution is completed compare probation

diversionary

-ˈvər-zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə- 

adjective