diversionary
9
7.7
- adjective
- /dɪˈvɜrʒəˌnɛri/
- Our division was to create a diversionary attack and lure the Iraqi forces into a huge kill zone.
- diversionary tactics
Examples
-
As a diversionary measure, she sat back on the sofa, checked her watch, and thought about Quinn Davis.
Fiction book (2002) -
We believe that was just a diversionary tactic... used to call attention away from the real heist... over here at the Diamond Exchange.
-
The diversionary shot gets the Secret Service looking the other way.
-
You get the diversionary shot that gets the Secret Service looking one way.
Fiction book (1991) -
He began every operation with a diversionary move.
-
That's the reason for this diversionary action.
-
What Dalmar could not effect by straight assault, however, he gained by diversionary tactics.
Fiction book (1990) -
The diversionary explosions are spaced 20 seconds apart.
-
Yet another diversionary tactic is to promote a new objective: multicultural education.
Academic text (1992) -
The soldiers launched a diversionary attack to confuse the enemy forces.
Synonyms
134
4.4
Giving a wrong idea that makes people believe false things
1
9.3
Making something hard to understand on purpose to hide the truth
1
9.0
Made for a false reason to hide the real purpose
Antonyms
Compounds
- Specialized
1
7.8
An action by soldiers to draw the enemy's attention away from the main battle
- Specialized
1
9.9
A small attack from the sea to trick the enemy and draw troops away
How Distracting
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Diversionary comes from the verb divert, which means 'to turn aside' and has parts di- 'away' and vert 'turn'. So a diversionary action is meant to 'turn attention away', which is why the word describes a move or plan meant to distract or mislead.