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diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion | \ də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio) , dī-, -shən\

Definition of diversion

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
Other Words from diversion Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about diversion

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Examples of diversion in a Sentence

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 More diversions could amplify the tensions over water. — Tim Appenzeller, Science | AAAS, "Global warming has made iconic Andean peak unrecognizable," 11 Sep. 2019 To ease the burden on recyclers, San Jose is considering waiving fees for contractors that can’t meet required landfill diversion rates. — Elena Shao, SFChronicle.com, "San Francisco is surviving the global recycling crisis. But it’s not easy," 9 Sep. 2019 Manzie said his opposition stemmed partly from concerns about traffic diversion off I-10 and to the Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge. — al, "Why Mobile didn’t vote against I-10 toll plan? Not enough votes, councilman says," 7 Sep. 2019 She was referred to the juvenile diversion officer. — cleveland.com, "Man finds Hitler at his front door: Mayfield Heights Police Blotter," 6 Sep. 2019 Grayson is an assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County and concentrates on treatment, diversions and deferred prosecutions. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Evers names Milwaukee County Judge Joe Donald to Appeals Court in Milwaukee, lawyer Jeffrey Davis in Waukesha," 4 Sep. 2019 But Mount Pleasant didn’t make the diversion request. — Anna Clark, Twin Cities, "Anna Clark: Is Foxconn really worth risking a Great Lake?," 3 Sep. 2019 For the next 12 months, expect traffic control and traffic diversions along this corridor, realistically changing day-to-day. — Gary Richards, The Mercury News, "Traffic around Valley Fair is a mess: Roadshow," 2 Sep. 2019 Install new concrete diversion structure in the U.S. for $27.5 million. — Gustavo Solis, San Diego Union-Tribune, "These six projects could fix the cross-border sewage spills," 1 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diversion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of diversion

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for diversion

see diverse

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More Definitions for diversion

diversion

noun
How to pronounce diversion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of diversion

formal : the act of changing the direction or use of something : the act of diverting something
formal : something that people do because it is enjoyable, entertaining, or pleasant
: something that takes attention away from what is happening

See the full definition for diversion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion | \ də-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce diversion (audio) , dī-\

Kids Definition of diversion

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.

diversion

noun
di·​ver·​sion | \ də-ˈvər-zhən, dī- How to pronounce diversion (audio) \

Legal Definition of diversion

: 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

Other Words from diversion

diversionary \ -​ˈvər-​zhə-​ˌner-​ē, -​shə-​ How to pronounce diversionary (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on diversion

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with diversion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for diversion

Spanish Central: Translation of diversion

Nglish: Translation of diversion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of diversion for Arabic Speakers

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