divert Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb turn aside; turn away from
deviate.
verb send on a course or in a direction different from the planned or intended one
verb occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
disport; amuse.
- The play amused the ladies
verb withdraw (money) and move into a different location, often secretly and with dishonest intentions
hive off.

F. divertir, fr. L. divertere, diversum, to go different ways, turn aside; di- = dis- + vertere to turn. See Verse, and cf. Divorce.

imperfect & past participle Diverted; present participle & verbal noun Diverting

To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended application; to deflect; as, to divert a river from its channel; to divert commerce from its usual course.
That crude apple that diverted Eve. Milton.
To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse; to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor.
We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy. C. J. Smith.
Syn. -- To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate; delight; recreate. See Amuse.

To turn aside; to digress. Obs.
I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. Evelyn.