noun

diversion

dye-VUR-zhun/daɪˈvɜːrʒn/

A turn away from an original course or focus.

The juggler provides a diversion, drawing the waiting crowd's attention away from the delay.

During a long wait, a juggler performs nearby and the bored crowd turns away from the delay to watch the entertaining activity.

Etymology

diLatinaside, apart

+versLatinto turn

+ionLatinact or process

Turning aside came to include drawing someone's attention away from its usual course. An amusement is therefore a diversion because it turns the mind toward something entertaining.

In context

Moyers & Company presenter29:17

some welcome diversion from all the political rhetoric and ads by reading the latest book

Full Show: The Election is Over -- Now What?

David Wheeler35:21

That's not the point. That's a lovely diversion,

The Sandy Hook Promise

More examples

The diversion of water from the river leaves nearby fields dry.
The committee questions the diversion of funds to unrelated projects.
Gardening offers a welcome diversion from her daily worries.

Forms

diversion · diversions

divert verb — To turn from a course or focus.

diversionary adjective — Intended to draw attention away from something.

Similar words

distraction: Emphasizes interrupted attention rather than a change in physical course.
detour: Specifically an alternate route taken around an obstacle or delay.
redirection: Emphasizes sending something toward a different destination or purpose.