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.)) The police diverted the traffic.
to redirect ((sth.)) ((to sth.)) He redirected the conversation to another topic.
Similar Words
umleiten (to reroute), die Richtung ändern (to change direction), abbiegen (to turn)
Etymology
From 'um-' (around, indicating change) + 'lenken' (to steer, direct). Essentially, to steer something around or in a new direction.
Memory Tips
Visualize turning a steering wheel ('Lenkrad') 'around' ('um-') to 'steer' ('lenken') the car in a new direction.