Word of the Day: Detour

detour

de-tour / dē–to͝or, dĭ-to͝or

noun

1. a circuitous, indirect route, particularly one caused by a temporary blockage of the main route

The really happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery, even when they have to take a detour.

Sir James Jeans, 1877 – 1946

2. a change from a planned course of action that is generally less direct

One of the major keys to success is to keep moving forward on the journey, making the best of the detours and interruptions, turning adversity into advantage.

John C. Maxwell, 1947 –

verb

1. to go on a circuitous or indirect route

As he was detouring from his normal route, Clemens decided to take a trip through his old neighborhood near Southeast 137th Street.

CNN Wire, “TriMet bus driver commended for saving family from fire on his way to work”, Fox 43, www.fox43.com/article/life/family/family-first-with-fox43/trimet-bus-driver-commended-for-saving-family-from-fire-on-his-way-to-work/521-a44b30f5-67f2-4e6f-b499-fcf3d157ef50, March 13, 2017

2. to cause one to travel on an indirect or circuitous route

Westbound motorists leaving Aspen will be detoured from Main Street through the West End neighborhood and Power Plant Road starting on Tuesday.

Rick Carroll, “Outbound Aspen will be detoured from Main St. starting on Tuesday”, Aspen Times, September 5, 2022