divert

 
Pronunciation: /dʌɪˈvəːt, dɪ-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another: a scheme to divert water from the river to irrigate agricultural land
  • [no object] (of a vehicle or person) change course: an aircraft has diverted and will be with you shortly
  • reallocate (money or resources) to a different purpose: more of their advertising budget was diverted into promotions
  • 2distract (someone) from something: she managed to divert Rose from the dangerous topic of Lady Usk
  • (usually as adjective diverting) draw the attention of (someone) away from tedious or serious concerns; entertain or amuse: a diverting book

Derivatives

divertingly

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: via French from Latin divertere, from di- 'aside' + vertere 'to turn'