The Spanish verb 'divertir' (meaning 'to amuse' or 'to entertain') comes from the Latin word 'divertere', which meant 'to turn aside' or 'to divert'. The Latin word was formed by combining two elements: the prefix 'di-' meaning 'apart' or 'in different directions', and the verb 'vertere' meaning 'to turn'. So literally, the original meaning was about turning something away or in a different direction. Over time, this physical sense of diversion evolved into the more abstract meaning of diverting one's attention for entertainment or amusement.

Some related Spanish words include 'diversión' (fun, entertainment), 'diverso' (diverse, different), and 'divertido' (fun, amusing). All these words share the same root and reflect the idea of turning away from serious matters toward something entertaining or different.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'divert' (to redirect or detour), 'diversion' (entertainment or detour), and 'diverse' (varied or different). These English words come from the same Latin root 'divertere'. While the English 'divert' maintained more of the original physical meaning of turning aside or changing direction, the Spanish 'divertir' evolved to focus more on the entertainment aspect of turning away from serious matters.