detract

verb

de·​tract di-ˈtrakt 

dē-

detracted; detracting; detracts

intransitive verb

: to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something

—often used with from

small errors that do not seriously detract from the book

transitive verb

1

: divert

didn't mean to detract attention from the guest of honor

2

archaic : to speak ill of

3

archaic : to take away

detractor

di-ˈtrak-tər 

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• abstract
• call off
• distract
• divert
• throw off

Examples of detract in a Sentence

numerous typos in the text detract the reader's attention from the novel's intricate plot

Recent Examples on the Web

The attention is now expected to shift back to the impeachment of Mr. Biden as Republicans look to detract attention from the various legal challenges plaguing former President Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for reelection in November. —CBS News, 21 Feb. 2024

During the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of a man who viewed himself as above the law and who lethally sought to detract attention from his financial woes once those secrets threatened to spill out. —Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detractus, past participle of detrahere to pull down, disparage, from de- + trahere to draw

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing detract

• detract from

Kids Definition

detract

verb

de·​tract di-ˈtrakt 

: to take away some of the value or importance

detract from a person's reputation

detraction

-ˈtrak-shən

noun

detractive

-ˈtrak-tiv

adjective

detractively adverb

detractor

-ˈtrak-tər 

noun