To redirect or change course:
* Deflect: To turn aside from a course.
* Detour: To take a different route.
* Re-route: To change the direction of something.
* Turn aside: To move away from a path or direction.
* Shift: To move from one place to another.
To distract or entertain:
* Amuse: To entertain or make someone laugh.
* Distract: To draw someone's attention away from something else.
* Engage: To capture someone's attention.
* Entertain: To provide amusement or enjoyment.
* Occupy: To keep someone busy or engaged.
* Divert: To draw attention away from something.
To change the flow of something:
* Channel: To direct something into a particular course.
* Redirect: To change the direction of something.
* Divert: To turn something aside from its usual course.
Other synonyms:
* Avert: To prevent something from happening.
* Deflect: To turn something aside.
* Sidetrack: To turn someone away from their main purpose.
* Misdirect: To send someone in the wrong direction.
* Displace: To force someone to move from their usual place.
The best synonym for "divert" will depend on the specific context in which it is used.