1. to change the direction or course of something
2. to distract someone’s attention from something
3. to entertain or amuse someone

Examples

• The construction crew diverts traffic around the work zone.
• She diverts the river water to irrigate her crops.
• The magician diverts the audience’s attention with his left hand.
• He diverts himself from worry by reading mystery novels.
• The comedian diverts the crowd with funny stories.
• Bad weather diverts the plane to another airport.
• The teacher diverts the students’ focus back to the lesson.