divert

Send another way

Divert means to turn something from its course or intended path.

A dam diverts water; a detour diverts traffic.

By extension, divert applies to attention or resources: She tried to divert the conversation away from politics.

To divert someone can also mean to entertain or amuse them—turning their mind from ordinary concerns: The children were diverted by the puppet show.

redirect

reroute

Send a different way

detourAlternate path around obstruction
bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
deviationDeparture from expected path

alternate route · swerve · veer · deflect · channel · reallocate · reorient · turnoff · roundabout · road closure

embezzle

misappropriate

Wrongly take another's assets

siphonLiquid transfer tube
skimPass over lightly
funnelCone directing flow

steal · pilfer · defraud · embezzlement · misuse · appropriate · cream off · pocket · fraud · theft

entertain

amuse

Cause light enjoyment

delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction
occupyFill or dwell in
beguileCharm into deception

pastime · recreation · pleasure · enjoyment · leisure · lighten · cheer · regale · distraction · amusement

distract

attention

Focused mental awareness

deflectTurn from course
sidetrackDivert from purpose
misleadCause false belief

misdirect · draw away · decoy · feint · distraction · red herring · smokescreen · throw off · lead astray · confuse

divert

reroute

misappropriate

amuse

attention

divert

Opposites

Phrases

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