diversion
UK: daɪˈvɜːʃən | US: daɪˈvɜːrʒən
n. the act of diverting or turning aside from a course or purpose
n. something that distracts or entertains
n. a detour or alternative route
diversion = di<apart> + vers<turn> + ion<noun suffix>
- di- (from Latin dis-, meaning "apart" or "away")
- vers (from Latin vertere, meaning "to turn")
- -ion (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "diversion" traces back to Latin diversio, derived from divertere ("to turn aside"). The prefix di- (variant of dis-) emphasizes separation, while vers conveys the idea of turning. Over time, the term evolved to describe both physical redirection (e.g., a detour) and metaphorical shifts (e.g., entertainment). The suffix -ion solidifies its role as a noun.
The construction forced a diversion of traffic through side streets.
Reading provides a pleasant diversion from daily stress.
The magician’s trick was a clever diversion to hide his next move.
The river’s diversion created a new wetland area.
The pilot announced a diversion to an alternate airport due to bad weather.