noun / verb
detour
DEE-toor/ˈdiːtʊr/
A temporary departure from the usual or planned course.
The detour curves around the roadworks and rejoins the road.
Etymology
The pieces mean “turn aside,” the central idea behind a side road or roundabout way. A temporary detour applies that same idea to a route that leaves the usual course to bypass a blockage.
In context
During the closure, motorists should use the following detour routes. Detours using I-280 are strongly recommended to help avoid delays.
More examples
- They detoured through the village.
- Several detours slowed the trip.
- She is detouring around the closure.
Forms
detour · detours · detoured · detouring
Similar words
- diversion
- An alternative route, or attention drawn elsewhere.
- bypass
- A route around an obstacle, sometimes permanent.