Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Diversion

Diversion , noun

[Compare French diversion. See Divert.]

1.
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.
2.
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.
Public diversions. — V. Knox
Such productions of wit and humor as expose vice and folly, furnish useful diversion to readers. — Addison
3.
(Military) 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.