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v. di·vert·ed, di·vert·ing, di·verts v.tr. 1. To turn aside from a course or direction: Traffic was diverted around the scene of the accident. 2. To distract: My attention was diverted by an argument between motorists. 3. To entertain by distracting the attention from worrisome thoughts or cares; amuse. See Synonyms at amuse. v.intr. To turn aside. [Middle English diverten, from Old French divertir, from Latin dīvertere : dī-, dis-, aside; see DIS- + vertere, to turn; see wer-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] di·verter n. di·verting·ly adv. |
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