um|lenken
Translation
to redirect, to divert, to change course
Examples
Die Polizei lenkte den Verkehr um.
The police diverted the traffic.
Er musste seine Pläne kurzfristig umlenken.
He had to change his plans at short notice.
Das Schiff hat auf einen neuen Kurs umgelenkt.
The ship changed course to a new one.
Grammar Patterns
to redirect/divert ((sth.)) Die Polizei lenkte den Verkehr um.
to redirect ((sth.)) ((to sth.)) Er lenkte das Gespräch auf ein anderes Thema um.
Similar Words
umleiten (to reroute), die Richtung ändern (to change direction), abbiegen (to turn)
Etymology
From 'um-' (around, indicating change) + 'lenken' (to steer, direct). Literally, to steer in a different direction.
Memory Tips
Think of 'um-' as 're-' and 'lenken' as 'directing'. So, 'umlenken' is to 're-direct'.