diversion

[ dih-vur-zhuh n, -shuh n, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən, daɪ- /

noun

the act of diverting or turning aside, as from a course or purpose: a diversion of industry into the war effort.
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.
British. a detour on a highway or road.
distraction from business, care, etc.; recreation; amusement; a pastime: Movies are his favorite diversion.
Military. a feint intended to draw off attention from the point of main attack.

Origin of diversion

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

OTHER WORDS FROM diversion

pre·di·ver·sion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for diversion

British Dictionary definitions for diversion

diversion
/ (daɪˈvɜːʃən) /

noun

the act of diverting from a specified course
mainly British an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed
something that distracts from business, etc; amusement
military a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack

Derived forms of diversion

diversional or diversionary, adjective