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Is the word desviar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The meaning, spelling, and fundamental grammar of the word "desviar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the unstressed vowels (specifically the "e" in "desviar") are often more reduced or "weakened," sometimes sounding almost like an "i." In Continental Portuguese, the vowels are pronounced more clearly and with a more distinct, staccato rhythm, and the "e" is typically a more closed, stable vowel.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O motorista teve que desviar de um buraco enorme na pista. (The driver had to swerve to avoid a huge pothole on the track.)
  2. Ele tentou desviar o assunto para não falar sobre o problema. (He tried to change the subject to avoid talking about the problem.)
  3. O político foi acusado de desviar dinheiro público durante o mandato. (The politician was accused of embezzling public money during his term.)
  4. Você precisa desviar o olhar da tela do celular de vez em quando. (You need to look away from the cell phone screen from time to time.)
  5. A estrada foi desviada por causa de um acidente no trem. (The road was diverted because of an accident on the train.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O condutor teve de desviar de um buraco enorme na estrada. (The driver had to swerve to avoid a huge pothole on the road.)
  2. Ele tentou desviar o assunto para não falar sobre o problema. (He tried to change the subject to avoid talking about the problem.)
  3. O político foi acusado de desviar dinheiro público durante o mandato. (The politician was accused of embezzling public money during his term.)
  4. Tens de desviar o olhar do ecrã do telemóvel de vez em quando. (You need to look away from the mobile phone screen from time to time.)
  5. A estrada foi desviada por causa de um acidente no comboio. (The road was diverted because of an accident on the train.)