Skip to content

détourner

divert, redirect

verb deh-toor-NEH Less Common

Also means

hijack, embezzle

Usage Note

Détourner has a wide range of senses: détourner un avion ('to hijack a plane'), détourner des fonds ('to embezzle funds'), and détourner les yeux ('to look away'). The noun un détournement captures the act of diversion or misappropriation. Its reflexive form se détourner de means to turn away from something.

Examples

"Il a détourné les yeux du tableau."

Natural Translation

He looked away from the painting.

Literal Translation

He diverted his eyes from the painting.

Explore French by topic