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diversion

n.
US //daɪˈvɝʒən// UK //daɪvˈɜːʃən// di·ver·sion
  1. 1 a detour (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a different route that people must take because the main road is closed.

    a temporary route established to bypass a road closure or obstruction.

    Example

    The police set up a diversion after the accident blocked the main highway.

    Example

    Commuters faced significant delays this morning as a major road diversion forced all city-bound traffic through narrow residential streets.

    Usage

    Commonly used in British English where American English speakers would use 'detour'.
  2. 2 a distraction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    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.

    Example

    The loud noise outside was just a diversion so the thief could slip away.

    Example

    The infantry launched a small attack on the eastern flank as a diversion, masking the primary movement of the armoured division to the west.
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  1. 3 an entertaining activity (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    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.

    Example

    Reading historical novels is his favourite diversion during long flights.

    Example

    The estate offered various diversions for the guests, including archery, lawn tennis, and guided walks through the arboretum.
  2. 4 changing the flow (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The diversion of the river water helped the farmers during the dry summer.

    Example

    The audit revealed an illegal diversion of company funds into private offshore accounts over a five-year period.
  3. 5 legal alternative (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

    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.

    Example

    The judge suggested a diversion programme instead of prison for the first-time offender.

    Example

    The youth justice system prioritises diversion for minor offences to prevent young people from entering the formal cycle of incarceration.
Origin

From Middle English diversion, dyversioun, from Medieval Latin diversiō, from Latin divertō (“to divert”); see divert.

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