“divert” – English explanatory dictionary

verb 1. to send something to another place or in another direction ○ Because of fog in London, flights have been diverted to Manchester. ○ Traffic has been diverted to avoid the town centre. 2. to entertain someone ○ A game of snakes and ladders diverted the children for a little while. 3. □ to divert someone’s attention to make someone look away ○ Try and divert his attention while I steal his keys.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diverted; p. pr. & vb. n. Diverting.] [F. divertir, fr. L. divertere, diversum, to go different ways, turn aside; di- = dis- + vertere to turn. See Verse, and cf. Divorce.]
1. To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended application; to deflect; as to divert a river from its channel; to divert commerce from its usual course. “That crude apple that diverted Eve.” Milton.
2. To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse; to entertain; as children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor. “We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.” C. J. Smith. Syn. — To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate; delight; recreate. See Amuse.

v. i. To turn aside; to digress. [Obs.] “I diverted to see one of the prince’s palaces.” Evelyn.