diversion
deye-VUR-shuhn
Diversion (noun) means something done to distract attention from what is really happening. Example: “The robbers created a diversion outside while their partner slipped in the back door.”
noun
1
Something done to distract attention from what is really happening.
"The robbers created a diversion outside while their partner slipped in the back door."
"He asked an odd question just to create a diversion from the awkward silence."
"The magician waved his scarf as a diversion while his assistant swapped the boxes."
2
A hobby or activity that takes your mind off other things.
"Gardening became her favourite diversion during the long winter months."
"Crosswords are a pleasant diversion on a long train journey."
"After a stressful week, a game of cards makes a welcome diversion."
3
A temporary alternate route, especially one put in place during roadworks.
"There's a diversion on the motorway due to bridge repairs."
"Follow the signs for the diversion around the closed high street."
"The diversion added half an hour to our trip because the main road was flooded."
How to use diversion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that pulls attention or traffic away from its normal path — whether that's a distraction, a hobby, or a detour on the road.
UK vs US
In British English, "diversion" is the standard word for a road detour; American English usually says "detour" instead.
Common pairings
create a diversion
a welcome diversion
traffic diversion
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Word forms
- Plural
- diversions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The robbers created a _____ outside while their partner slipped in the back door.
Etymology
From Middle English diversion, ultimately from Latin divertere, "to turn aside" — the same root as divert.
Related words
Rhymes for diversion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for diversion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “diversion” mean?
The word “diversion” means something done to distract attention from what is really happening. In plain terms, something that pulls attention or traffic away from its normal path — whether that's a distraction, a hobby, or a detour on the road.
How do you pronounce “diversion”?
“Diversion” is pronounced deye-VUR-shuhn (/dɪˈvɝ.ʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “diversion” in a sentence?
Here is “diversion” used in a sentence: “The robbers created a diversion outside while their partner slipped in the back door.”
What is another word for “diversion”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diversion” include feint.
What part of speech is “diversion”?
“Diversion” is a noun.
Where does the word “diversion” come from?
The word “diversion” comes from Latin. From Middle English diversion, ultimately from Latin divertere, "to turn aside" — the same root as divert.
Is “diversion” a common word?
“Diversion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “diversion” have?
“Diversion” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something done to distract attention from what is really happening.
