[syn: divert, hive off]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Divert \Di*vert"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diverted; p. pr. & vb.
n. Diverting.] [F. divertir, fr. L. divertere, diversum, to
go different ways, turn aside; di- = dis- + vertere to turn.
See Verse, and cf. Divorce.]
1. To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended
application; to deflect; as, to divert a river from its
channel; to divert commerce from its usual course.
[1913 Webster]
That crude apple that diverted Eve. --Milton.
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2. To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to
cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse;
to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men
are diverted with works of wit and humor.
[1913 Webster]
We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy. --C.
J. Smith.
Syn: To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate;
delight; recreate. See Amuse.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Divert \Di*vert"\, v. i.
To turn aside; to digress. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces.
--Evelyn.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
divert
v 1: turn aside; turn away from [syn: deviate, divert]
2: send on a course or in a direction different from the planned
or intended one
3: occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion;
"The play amused the ladies" [syn: amuse, divert,
disport]
4: withdraw (money) and move into a different location, often
secretly and with dishonest intentions [syn: divert, hive
off]