# diversion

/daɪˈvɝʒən/ (US) · /daɪvˈɜːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diversion
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a detour

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

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

For teachers: a temporary route established to bypass a road closure or obstruction.

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

noun · CEFR B2

something that takes your attention away from what is actually happening.

For teachers: a tactic or event designed to draw attention away from a primary focus or objective.

- The loud noise outside was just a diversion so the thief could slip away.
- The infantry launched a small attack on the eastern flank as a diversion, masking the primary movement of the armoured division to the west.

### 3. an entertaining activity

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an activity you do for fun or to relax your mind.

For teachers: a pastime or recreational activity that provides a distraction from work or serious matters.

- Reading historical novels is his favourite diversion during long flights.
- The estate offered various diversions for the guests, including archery, lawn tennis, and guided walks through the arboretum.

### 4. changing the flow

noun · CEFR B2

the act of changing the direction or path of something like water or money.

For teachers: the act of redirecting something from its intended or natural course to a different one.

- The diversion of the river water helped the farmers during the dry summer.
- The audit revealed an illegal diversion of company funds into private offshore accounts over a five-year period.

### 5. legal alternative

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a programme that lets a person avoid a trial if they complete treatment or community service.

For teachers: the official suspension of criminal proceedings in exchange for the defendant's participation in a rehabilitation programme.

- The judge suggested a diversion programme instead of prison for the first-time offender.
- The youth justice system prioritises diversion for minor offences to prevent young people from entering the formal cycle of incarceration.

## Examples

- The loud noise was a pleasant diversion.
- The sudden rain served as a diversion from their long walk.
- The general ordered a feint attack as a diversion to draw enemy forces away from the main supply route.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.