diversion
noun
di·ver·sion də-ˈvər-zhən 
dī-,
-shən
1
: the act or an instance of diverting or straying from a course, activity, or use : deviation
Bad weather forced the diversion of several flights.
2
: something that diverts or amuses : pastime
Hiking is one of her favorite diversions.
a welcome diversion from the pressures of the job
3
: an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation
You create a diversion while I sneak inside the building.
4
British : a temporary traffic detour
Synonyms
- delight
- distraction
- divertissement
- entertainment
- fun
- pleasure
- recreation
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
small diversions of river water for irrigation Hiking is one of my favorite diversions. Our town offers few diversions. Sports provide him with a welcome diversion from the pressures of his job. He created a diversion while his partner stole her pocketbook.
Recent Examples on the Web Two inspectors will remain at the plant indefinitely to monitor for damage as fighting continues and prevent the diversion of nuclear materials for military uses. 
Joe Parkinson, WSJ, 6 Sep. 2022 Three cities, including Oceanside, have also contracted with them to help implement California’s new organic recycling law, which mandates diversion of organics from landfills in order to reduce greenhouse gases. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2022 But in the 1960s, the diversion of yet more of the Amu Darya’s flow into the new Karakum Canal precipitated a tipping point. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 But in the 1960s, the diversion of yet more of the Amu Darya’s flow into the new Karakum Canal precipitated a tipping point. Henry Wismayer, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 Still, people who live and work there are concerned about navigating the diversion. Taylor Dolven, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 Unique covert taggants and inks can further add to the complexity of the security, so brands have complete control in the fight against counterfeit and diversion of products. Keith Goldstein, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 The diversion of funds provides one reason Proposition 63 hasn’t fully lived up to its promise. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2022 The lawsuit alleged that Rite Aid did not adequately monitor opioid prescriptions, report suspicious orders and prevent the diversion of prescription pills, therefore contributing to opioid addictions and overdoses, according to the settlement. Taylor Croft, ajc, 8 July 2022 See More
Joe Parkinson, WSJ, 6 Sep. 2022 Three cities, including Oceanside, have also contracted with them to help implement California’s new organic recycling law, which mandates diversion of organics from landfills in order to reduce greenhouse gases. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2022 But in the 1960s, the diversion of yet more of the Amu Darya’s flow into the new Karakum Canal precipitated a tipping point. Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 But in the 1960s, the diversion of yet more of the Amu Darya’s flow into the new Karakum Canal precipitated a tipping point. Henry Wismayer, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 Still, people who live and work there are concerned about navigating the diversion. Taylor Dolven, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 Unique covert taggants and inks can further add to the complexity of the security, so brands have complete control in the fight against counterfeit and diversion of products. Keith Goldstein, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 The diversion of funds provides one reason Proposition 63 hasn’t fully lived up to its promise. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2022 The lawsuit alleged that Rite Aid did not adequately monitor opioid prescriptions, report suspicious orders and prevent the diversion of prescription pills, therefore contributing to opioid addictions and overdoses, according to the settlement. Taylor Croft, ajc, 8 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English dyversioun "process of diverting superfluous humors," borrowed from Late Latin dīversiōn-, dīversiō "turning away," from Latin dīvertere "to separate oneself (from), be different" and dēvertere "to turn away, divert" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at divert
First Known Use
1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
diversion
noun
di·ver·sion də-ˈvər-zhən
dī-
1
: an act or instance of changing the direction or use of
diversion of the river
2
: something that relaxes, distracts, or entertains
The city offers many diversions for visitors.
Legal Definition
diversion
noun
di·ver·sion də-ˈvər-zhən, dī-
: the act or an instance of diverting: as
a
: an unauthorized rerouting or appropriation
diversion of funds
b
: suspension of the prosecution of a charge for a period of time during which the defendant participates in a rehabilitation program or makes restitution and after which the charges are dismissed if the rehabilitation or restitution is completed compare probation
diversion
noun
1
as in recreation
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a scavenger hunt was organized as a diversion for the guests at the party Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- recreation
- entertainment
- delight
- fun
- pleasure
- distraction
- divertissement
- activity
- picnic
- escape
- pastime
- lark
- festivity
- romp
- game
- rollicking
- merrymaking
- revel
- hilarity
- gambol
- revelry
- time killer
- rollick
- jollification
- spree
- frolic
- riot
- frolicking
- binge
- carousing
- jollity
- fling
- reveling
- whoopee
- gaiety
- conviviality
- revelling
- gayety
- scream
- laugh
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bore
- downer
- drag
- bummer
- party pooper
- killjoy
2
as in entertainment
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public movies and television became two of the most popular and influential diversions of the 20th century Synonyms & Similar Words
- entertainment
- amusement
- recreation
- enjoyment
- production
- distraction
- presentation
- performance
- gratification
- mirth
- relaxation
- show
- relief
- joy
- escapism
- spectacle
- presentment
- exhibition
- nightlife
- delight
- delectation
- satisfaction
- show business
3
as in deviation
a turning away from a course or standard carefully weighed testimony that did not contain the slightest diversion from the truth Synonyms & Similar Words
- deviation
- detour
- deflection
- departure
- divergence
- reversion
- divagation
- regression
- retrogression
- divergency
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- adherence