divert (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /daɪˈvɜːrt/

Definition

To cause something to change course or direction, or to make something go to a different place.

Examples

• The road closure will divert traffic onto a different route.

• Can we divert the conversation away from politics?

• The canal was built to divert water from the river to the fields.

How to Use divert

divert from (prepositional phrase)

To cause someone or something to move away from a particular course, subject, or activity. — "The sudden noise diverted my attention from the book."

divert to (prepositional phrase)

To cause something to change direction or destination towards a new place. — "They had to divert the flight to a different airport due to bad weather."

divert someone's attention (collocation)

To make someone stop paying attention to one thing and start paying attention to another. — "He tried to divert her attention by asking about her day."

Synonyms of divert

Words with a similar meaning to divert:

• redirect
• reroute
• distract
• deflect

Antonyms of divert

Words with the opposite meaning to divert:

• continue
• maintain

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