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

Meanwhile, however, there’s a running battle between water officials and farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin and along the river in California over diversions for irrigation that remains unresolved. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

And its models say that traffic diversion will increase levels of PM10, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less that harms the hugs and heart and is commonly emitted from vehicles and construction sites. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Santoro said in addition to Los Angeles-Long Beach delays, vessel diversions to U.S. West coast ports could cause congestion to spike and prompt cargo processing backlogs at additional ports such as Seattle and Oakland. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

In fact, about 80% of young people charged with threats in the past three school years have either had their charges completely dismissed or were sent through diversion programs, which could require them to complete community service hours, therapy or other interventions. —Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, 30 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