distract

²dis·tract

verb \di-ˈstrakt\

Definition of DISTRACT

transitive verb

1

a : to turn aside : divert <refused to be distracted from her purpose> b : to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time <was distracted by a sudden noise>

2

: to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives

— dis·tract·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌstrak-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— dis·tract·ible also dis·tract·able \-ˈstrak-tə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·tract·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DISTRACT

1. You sneak into his room while I distract him.
2. He was distracted from his studies.
3. The students are easily distracted, especially when they're tired.
4. I was distracted by a loud noise.
5. The local story distracted attention from news of the war overseas.

Origin of DISTRACT

Middle English, from Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere, literally, to draw apart, from dis- + trahere to draw

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISTRACT

Synonyms: abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off

Antonyms: calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Related Words: amuse, beguile, entertain; stray, wander

Near Antonyms: concentrate, focus

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