Obstacle vs Divert - What's the difference?

As a noun obstacle

is something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress.

to turn aside from a course.

(Obstacle course)

(en noun)

Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress

A big obstacle to understanding the manual was that it had been poorly translated from the Japanese.

* impediment * hindrance * hurdle * See also

(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.

* (to lead away from a course) offlead

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