To change the direction or course of

• veer

  1. To turn aside from a course or established direction; swerve:
  2. To deviate from a purpose, behavior, or previous pattern:
  3. To shift clockwise in direction, as from north to northeast. Used of the wind.

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• turn

  1. To cause to move around an axis or center; cause to rotate or revolve:
  2. To cause to move around in order to achieve a result, such as opening, closing, tightening, or loosening:
  3. To alter or control the functioning of (a mechanical device, for example) by the use of a rotating or similar movement:

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• swing

  1. To move back and forth suspended or as if suspended from above.
  2. To hit at something with a sweeping motion of the arm:
  3. To move laterally or in a curve:

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• shift

  1. To exchange (one thing) for another of the same class:
  2. To move or transfer from one place or position to another.
  3. To alter (position or place).

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• pivot

  1. A short rod or shaft on which a related part rotates or swings.
  2. A person or thing on which something depends; the central or crucial factor:
  3. The act of turning on a pivot.

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• deviate

  1. To turn aside from a course or way:
  2. To depart, as from a norm, purpose, or subject; differ or stray.
  3. To cause to turn aside or differ.

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• deflect

  1. To turn aside or cause to turn aside; bend or deviate.

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• avert

  1. To turn away:
  2. To keep from happening; prevent:

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To persuade (a person) not to do something

• dissuade

  1. To prevent (someone) from a purpose or course of action by persuasion:

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• discourage

  1. To deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit:
  2. To dissuade or deter (someone) from doing something:
  3. To try to prevent by expressing disapproval or raising objections:

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• deter

  1. To prevent or discourage from acting, as by means of fear or doubt:
  2. To prevent or discourage (an action or behavior):
  3. To make less likely or prevent from happening:

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To occupy in an agreeable or pleasing way

• regale

  1. To provide with great enjoyment; entertain.
  2. To entertain sumptuously with food and drink; provide a feast for.
  3. To feast.

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• recreate

  1. To impart fresh life to; refresh mentally or physically.
  2. To take recreation.

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• entertain

  1. To hold the attention of (someone) with something amusing or diverting.
  2. To extend hospitality toward:
  3. To consider; contemplate:

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• amuse

  1. To hold the attention of or occupy in an agreeable fashion:
  2. To cause to laugh or smile by being funny:
  3. To delude or deceive.

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To deflect

• avert

  1. To turn away:
  2. To keep from happening; prevent:

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• redirect

  1. To cause to move in a different direction or go to a different destination:
  2. To give directions for an alternate destination to (someone).
  3. To change the object or focus of (attention).

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• turn aside

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To amuse

• beguile

  1. To deceive by guile or charm:
  2. To deprive (someone) of something by guile or deceit; cheat:
  3. To distract the attention of; divert:

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• distract

  1. To cause (someone) to have difficulty paying attention to something:
  2. To attract (the attention) away from its original focus; divert.
  3. To cause to feel worried or uneasy; unsettle:

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• engage

  1. To obtain or contract for the services of; employ:
  2. To arrange for the use of; reserve:
  3. To pledge or promise, especially to marry:

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• entertain

  1. To hold the attention of (someone) with something amusing or diverting.
  2. To extend hospitality toward:
  3. To consider; contemplate:

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To distract

• disturb

  1. To break up or destroy the tranquility, order, or settled state of:
  2. To trouble emotionally or mentally; upset:
  3. To interfere with; interrupt:

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• sidetrack

  1. To divert from a main issue or course:
  2. To delay or block the progress of deliberately:
  3. To switch from a main railroad track to a siding.

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• attract the attention of

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