diverge与deviate都含有“偏离、离轨”之意。
diverge : 指从一主道分成Y形。
- They walked along the road together until they reached the village, but then their paths diverged.
他们一直沿着那条路走到那个村子，然后才分开。 - Although the two organizations have worked together for many years, their objectives have diverged recently.
虽然这两个组织在一起合作了很多年，但它们的目标近来出现了分歧。
deviate : 强调离开思想、行动或规则的惯例。
- 因为道路封闭，公共汽车只得全速绕道而行。
The bus had to deviate from its usual route at full throttle because of a road closure. - 他一早就认为军事革命是必要的，并且从未背离过这一思想路线。但作为一个严肃审慎的人，他尽力避免说出任何会进一步牵连他的事情。
From very early on he believed a military revolution was necessary and he has never deviated from that ideological path. But as a sedate, sober man, he tried to avoid saying anything that would implicate him further.
延伸阅读：小词详解 | deviate
