detour
UK: ˈdiːtʊə | US: ˈdiːtʊr
n. a longer or less direct route taken to avoid something or to visit somewhere.
vt. to take or cause to take a detour.
The word "detour" originates from French détour, derived from Old French destorner ("to turn aside"), combining des- (away) and torner (to turn). The morpheme de- signifies "away from," while tour retains its core meaning of "journey" or "circuit." Over time, "detour" evolved in English to describe a deviation from the main path, emphasizing the logic of redirecting movement.
The road closure forced us to take a detour through the countryside.
The hikers decided to detour around the flooded trail.
The construction sign clearly indicated a detour ahead.
She detoured to the café to meet a friend before work.
The GPS automatically suggested a detour to avoid traffic.