divert

To make something follow a different path or move toward a different place.

• They diverted traffic around the accident.
• The flight was diverted to another airport.
• We must divert water away from the village.

How to use it: divert something from A to B (They diverted traffic from the bridge to a nearby road.); divert something away from something (The pipes divert water away from the house.)

Similar words: redirect, reroute

Common phrases: divert traffic, divert a river, divert funds, divert a stream

To make someone stop paying attention to something and think about something else.

• The noise diverted her attention.
• He tried to divert us from the real issue.
• Their announcement diverted attention from the company’s problems.

How to use it: divert someone’s attention from something (The noise diverted my attention from the lesson.)

Similar words: distract

Common phrases: divert someone’s attention, divert attention from, divert someone’s mind

To give someone something pleasant or amusing to enjoy.

• The music diverted our guests.
• He diverted the children with a card trick.
• Her lively stories diverted us during the long evening.

How to use it: divert someone with something (She diverted the guests with funny stories.)

Similar words: entertain, amuse

Opposites: bore

Common phrases: divert the guests, divert someone with, divert the children