diversion
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a different route that people must take because the main road is closed.
a temporary route established to bypass a road closure or obstruction.
Simple“The police set up a diversion after the accident blocked the main highway.”
In context“Commuters faced significant delays this morning as a major road diversion forced all city-bound traffic through narrow residential streets.”
UsageCommonly used in British English where American English speakers would use 'detour'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
something that takes your attention away from what is actually happening.
a tactic or event designed to draw attention away from a primary focus or objective.
Simple“The loud noise outside was just a diversion so the thief could slip away.”
In context“The infantry launched a small attack on the eastern flank as a diversion, masking the primary movement of the armoured division to the west.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
an activity you do for fun or to relax your mind.
a pastime or recreational activity that provides a distraction from work or serious matters.
Simple“Reading historical novels is his favourite diversion during long flights.”
In context“The estate offered various diversions for the guests, including archery, lawn tennis, and guided walks through the arboretum.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of changing the direction or path of something like water or money.
the act of redirecting something from its intended or natural course to a different one.
Simple“The diversion of the river water helped the farmers during the dry summer.”
In context“The audit revealed an illegal diversion of company funds into private offshore accounts over a five-year period.”
Synonymsredirectiondeviation - 05 C2 Proficiency
a programme that lets a person avoid a trial if they complete treatment or community service.
the official suspension of criminal proceedings in exchange for the defendant's participation in a rehabilitation programme.
Simple“The judge suggested a diversion programme instead of prison for the first-time offender.”
In context“The youth justice system prioritises diversion for minor offences to prevent young people from entering the formal cycle of incarceration.”
Synonymsrehabilitationalternative sentencingAntonyms
“Winston Churchill harnessed the power of radio, but thought television a vulgar diversion.”
“Delta sent a statement to the network saying it followed standard diversion procedures and is now evaluating the aircraft to discover what went wrong.”
From Middle English diversion, dyversioun, from Medieval Latin diversiō, from Latin divertō (“to divert”); see divert.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.