diversion > define

noun

An activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.
- usage: "scuba diving is provided as a diversion for tourists"; "for recreation he wrote poetry and solved crossword puzzles"; "drug abuse is often regarded as a form of recreation"
- synonyms: recreation
A turning aside (of your course or attention or concern. )
- usage: "a diversion from the main highway"; "a digression into irrelevant details"; "a deflection from his goal"
- synonyms: deviation, digression, deflection, deflexion, divagation
An attack calculated to draw enemy defense away from the point of the principal attack.
- synonyms: diversionary attack

(n.) The act of turning aside from any course, occupation or object; as, the diversion of a stream from its channel; diversion of the mind from business.
(n.) The act of drawing the attention and force of an enemy from the point where the principal attack is to be made; the attack, alarm or feint which diverts.
(n.) That which diverts; that which turns or draws the mind from care or study, and thus relaxes and amuses; sport; play; pastime; as, the diversions of youth.

by Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(DoD) A change made in a prescribed route for operational or tactical reasons. A diversion order will not constitute a change of destination.
(DoD) A rerouting of cargo or passengers to a new transshipment point or destination or on a different mode of transportation prior to arrival at ultimate destination.
(DoD) In naval mine warfare, a route or channel bypassing a dangerous area. A diversion may connect one channel to another or it may branch from a channel and rejoin it on the other side of the danger. See also demonstration.
(DoD) The act of drawing the attention and forces of an enemy from the point of the principal operation; an attack, alarm, or feint that diverts attention.

by Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.