Di*vert" (?), 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.
Di*vert", v. i. To turn aside; to
digress. [Obs.]
I diverted to see one of the prince's
palaces.
Evelyn.