# detour

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdiː.tɔː(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #22,351

## Definitions
1. A diversion or deviation from one's original route.
2. An temporary alternative route available to motorists away from the usual route due to a closure for repairs, dealing with an accident, or some event rendering the usual route unusable.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French détour, from détourner (“turn away”).

## Easily confused with
- **dour** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detour-vs-dour)
- **detox** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detour-vs-detox)
- **devout** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detour-vs-devout)
- **devour** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detour-vs-devour)
- **decor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/decor-vs-detour)
- **deter** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deter-vs-detour)
- **debtor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/debtor-vs-detour)

## Common misspellings (8)
`ddetour`, `deotur`, `detoru`, `detourr`, `dettour`, `detuor`, `dteour`, `edtour`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/detour