noun
diversion
deye-VUR-shuhn
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."
2
A hobby or activity that takes your mind off other things.
"Gardening became her favourite diversion during the long winter months."
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."
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
Word Forms
diversions plural
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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.