diversion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
    recreation.
    • scuba diving is provided as a diversion for tourists
    • for recreation he wrote poetry and solved crossword puzzles
    • drug abuse is often regarded as a form of recreation
  2. noun a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)
    deviation; digression; deflexion; deflection; divagation.
    • a diversion from the main highway
    • a digression into irrelevant details
    • a deflection from his goal
  3. noun an attack calculated to draw enemy defense away from the point of the principal attack
    diversionary attack.

WordNet

Di*ver"sion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. diversion. See Divert.
Definitions
  1. The act of turning aside from any course, occupation, or object; as, the diversion of a stream from its channel; diversion of the mind from business.
  2. That which diverts; that which turns or draws the mind from care or study, and thus relaxes and amuses; sport; play; pastime; as, the diversions of youth. "Public diversions." V. Knox.
    Such productions of wit and humor as expose vice and folly, furnish useful diversion to readers. Addison.
  3. (Mil.) The act of drawing the attention and force of an enemy from the point where the principal attack is to be made; the attack, alarm, or feint which diverts. Syn. -- Amusement; entertainment; pastime; recreation; sport; game; play; solace; merriment.

Webster 1913