diverts; diverted; diverting
1
: to change the direction or use of (something)
Police diverted traffic to a side street.
The stream was diverted toward the farmland.
They were charged with illegally diverting public funds for private use.
2
a
: to take (attention) away from someone or something
He lied to divert attention from the real situation.
They're only proposing the law to divert attention from important issues.
b
: to take the attention of (someone) away from something or someone
Nothing can divert [=distract] me from my goal.
3
formal
: to entertain (someone)
The children diverted [=(more commonly) amused] themselves with games.
Cite this Entry
“Divert.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/divert. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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