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Divert vs Divest - What's the difference?

divert | divest |

In lang=en terms the difference between divert and divest

is that divert is to entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention) while divest is to sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary.

As verbs the difference between divert and divest

is that divert is to turn aside from a course while divest is (archaic) to undress, disrobe.

divert

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To turn aside from a course.
    • The workers diverted the stream away from the road.
  • * Milton
    • that crude apple that diverted Eve
  • To distract.
    • Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.
  • To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)
  • * C. J. Smith
    • We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.
  • (obsolete) To turn aside; to digress.
    • I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. — Evelyn.

    Synonyms

    * (to lead away from a course) offlead

    Related terms

    * diversion * diversity * diverse

    External links

    * *

    divest

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (archaic) To undress, disrobe.
  • * 1897 , Henry James, What Maisie Knew :
    • Having divested the child he kissed her gently and gave her a little pat to make her stand off.
  • To strip, deprive, or dispossess (someone) (of) something (such as a right, passion, privilege, or prejudice).
    • You shall never divest me of my right to free speech.
    When I wake up, I make a point to divest myself of all my prejudices, ready to start the day.
  • To sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary
    • In 2011 the company divested an 81% majority stake in its Chinese subsidiary.

    Related terms

    * divestiture