# diversion

> English word · Noun · IPA /dɪˈvɝʒən/ · frequency rank #14,744

## Definitions
1. A tactic used to draw attention away from the real threat or action.
2. A hobby; an activity that distracts the mind.
3. The act of diverting.
4. Removal of water via a canal.
5. A detour, such as during road construction.
6. The rerouting of cargo or passengers to a new transshipment point or destination, or to a different mode of transportation before arrival at the ultimate destination.
7. Officially halting or suspending a formal criminal or juvenile justice proceeding and referral of the accused person to a treatment or care program.

## Etymology
From Middle English diversion, dyversioun, from Medieval Latin diversiō, from Latin divertō (“to divert”); see divert.

## Easily confused with
- **division** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/diversion-vs-division)
- **diversity** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/diversion-vs-diversity)
- **dimension** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dimension-vs-diversion)
- **diversify** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/diversify-vs-diversion)
- **dispersion** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/dispersion-vs-diversion)

## Common misspellings (14)
`ddiversion`, `dievrsion`, `diverison`, `diverrsion`, `diversino`, `diversionn`, `diversoin`, `diverssion`, `divertion`, `divesrion`, `divresion`, `divversion`, `dviersion`, `idversion`

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