1. alternative routes taken to avoid a blocked or closed road
2. deviations from a planned course of action or expected path

1. to take an alternative route to avoid an obstruction
2. to cause someone or something to deviate from a planned course

Examples

• Construction on Main Street forced drivers to take detours through residential neighborhoods.
• The GPS suggested several detours to avoid heavy traffic.
• Life often takes unexpected detours that lead to new opportunities.
• Her career took many detours before she found her true calling.
• The bus detours around the accident site every morning.
• Bad weather detours flights to alternate airports.
• The hiking trail detours around the damaged bridge.