diversion

Etymology

From French diversion, from Medieval Latin diversiō, from Latin divertō (“to divert”); see divert.

noun

1. (military) A tactic used to draw attention away from the real threat or action.
2. A hobby; an activity that distracts the mind.
   Of those therefore that have attained to the highest degree of honour and riches, some have affected mastery in some art; as Nero in music and poetry, Commodus in the art of a gladiator. And such as affect not some such thing, must find diversion and recreation of their thoughts in the contention either of play, or business. 1640, Thomas Hobbes, The Elements of Law
3. The act of diverting.
   Further, in response to the trust defense raised at trial, the court did properly instruct the jury on partial diversion when it charged that the funds diverted to Moon's personal use became taxable "to the extent so diverted." Obviously, the word "divert" is in common enough use and understandable by ordinary jurors, so as to require no explanatory charge. 1983, U.S. v. Sun Myung Moon 718 F.2d 1210 (1983)
   Though his account of written communication over the past 5,000 years necessarily has a powerful forward momentum, his diversions down the fascinating byways of the subject are irresistible ... 14 September 2013, Jane Shilling, “The Golden Thread: the Story of Writing, by Ewan Clayton, review [print edition: Illuminating language]”, in The Daily Telegraph (Review), page R29
4. Removal of water via a canal.
5. (transport) A detour, such as during road construction.
   An interesting feature in the weeks preceding the diversions was the provision of a road-learning train to familiarise main line drivers with the alternative route. 1960 February, R. C. Riley, “The London-Birmingham services - Past, Present and Future”, in Trains Illustrated, page 102
6. (transport) The rerouting of cargo or passengers to a new transshipment point or destination, or to a different mode of transportation before arrival at the ultimate destination.
7. (law) Officially halting or suspending a formal criminal or juvenile justice proceeding and referral of the accused person to a treatment or care program.