diversion

noun

• 1 [mass noun] the action of turning something aside from its course:the diversion of resources from defence to civil research
• the action of reallocating something:the diversion of funds to the Contras
• [count noun] British an alternative route for use by traffic when the usual road is temporarily closed:the road was closed and diversions put into operation

• 2an activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a recreation or pastime:our chief diversion was reading [mass noun]:people in search of diversion
• something intended to distract attention from something more important:a subsidiary raid was carried out on the airfield to create a diversion