di·vert / diˈvərt; dī-/ • v. [tr.] 1. cause (someone or something) to change course or turn from one direction to another: a scheme to divert water from the river to irrigate agricultural land. ∎  [intr.] (of a vehicle or person) change course: an aircraft has diverted and will be with you shortly. ∎  reallocate (something, esp. money or resources) to a different purpose: more of their advertising budget was diverted into promotions.2. distract (someone or their attention) from something: public relations policies are sometimes intended to divert attention away from criticism. ∎  [usu. as adj.] (diverting) draw the attention of (someone) away from tedious or serious concerns; entertain or amuse: a diverting book nursery rhymes can calm and divert all but the most fractious child.DERIVATIVES: di·vert·er n.di·vert·ing·ly adv.

divert turn aside XV; distract XVI; entertain, amuse XVII. — F. divertir — L. dīvertere turn away, leave one's spouse (cf. DIVORCE), differ (cf. dēvertere turn aside), f. DI- 1 + vertere turn.
So diversion XVII. — late L. (med.); the mil. use may be immed. — F. diversion or It. diversione.