distract

distract

verb

Definition of DISTRACT

1

to draw the attention or mind to something else <we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside>

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

Related Words amuse, beguile, entertain; stray, wander

Near Antonyms concentrate, focus

2

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy <distracted by the looming tax deadline>

Synonyms agitate, ail, alarm (also alarum), bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distract, distress, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, weird out, worry

Related Words aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, chivy (or chivvy), exasperate, fret, gall, get, grate, harass, harry, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put off, put out, rile, vex; bedevil, haunt, plague; abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, jar, mortify, nonplus, rattle, shake up; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, unnerve

Near Antonyms allay, alleviate, assuage; appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate

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