Diverted: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used when something is purposefully moved from its original course or attention is intentionally changed. Often used in formal or neutral situations.

• The plane was diverted to another airport due to bad weather.
• Funds were diverted from education to healthcare.

Used when someone's attention is unintentionally taken away, often implying a momentary lapse of focus. Common in both formal and informal contexts.

• He was distracted by the noise outside.
• She finds it hard to focus because she gets easily distracted.

Describes being taken off the main topic or course, often used informally and can imply a negative connotation of losing focus or wasting time.

• We got sidetracked talking about old times and forgot about the meeting.
• He gets easily sidetracked when he's working on a project.

Implies changing direction or purpose, often deliberately and methodically. Suitable for formal or technical contexts.

• The call was redirected to the customer service department.
• Traffic is being redirected due to road construction.

Use when something is turned away from its original path, often temporary and for a specific reason.

• The flight was diverted due to bad weather
• Police diverted traffic to avoid the accident site

Use when the path, typically in terms of travel or transport, is changed to a different route.

• Due to the road closure, buses have been rerouted
• The navigator rerouted us to avoid traffic congestion

Use when changing the direction or focus of something, more general and can apply to various situations from physical movement to abstract ideas.

• Please redirect all inquiries to our main office
• The teacher redirected the students' attention to the board

Use when there's a need to change the course of something, often resources or efforts, usually in a formal or organized manner.

• The company decided to rechannel its funds to support the new project
• Efforts were rechanneled towards rebuilding the community center