Divert

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DIVERTED; p. pr. & vb. n. DIVERTING.] [Lat. divertere, from prefix di, for dis, and vertere, to turn; Fr. & Sp. divertir, It. divertere, divertire.]

1Sense 1. To turn off from any course, direction, or intended application; to turn aside; as, to divert a river from its usual channel; to divert commerce from its usual course. “That crude apple that diverted Eve.” Milton.

2Sense 2. To turn from business or study; to amuse; to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor. “Divert the kingdom by his papers.” Swift.

Synonyms— To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate; delight.

To turn aside; to digress. [Obs.] I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. Evelyn.