attraction

noun

at·​trac·​tion ə-ˈtrak-shən 

1

a

: the act, process, or power of attracting

b

: personal charm

2

: the action or power of drawing forth a response : an attractive quality

3

: a force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation

4

: something that attracts or is intended to attract people by appealing to their desires and tastes

coming attractions

Synonyms

• magnet

Choose the Right Synonym for attraction

attraction, affinity, sympathy mean the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together.

attraction implies the possession by one thing of a quality that pulls another to it.

felt an attraction to danger

affinity implies a susceptibility or predisposition on the part of the one drawn.

an affinity for mathematics

sympathy implies a reciprocal or natural relation between two things that are both susceptible to the same influence.

two minds in sympathy

Examples of attraction in a Sentence

The waterfall continues to be the main attraction at the park.

The town's big attraction for movie lovers is the annual film festival.

She is the star attraction of the show.

There's a strong sexual attraction between them.

His attraction to her grew over the course of their time together.

A good relationship is based on more than just physical attraction.

I understand the attraction of skydiving, but I could never do it.

What are the attractions of owning your own business?

Recent Examples on the Web

In Kansas City, the brand-new Museum of BBQ showcases how this quintessential American cuisine is made. Road Cruise Take a road cruise along a captivating northeast loop that’s filled with urban attractions, rugged coasts and gorgeous mountains. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The re-imagined attraction, sponsored by General Motors, closed in June 2024 for an extensive overhaul and will reopen to the guests on July 22. —Joe Burbank, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025

Thrill-seekers of all ages, meanwhile, will enjoy a visit to Morey's Piers, home to over 100 rides and attractions; alternatively, cool off at nearby water parks like Raging Waters and Splash Zone. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

Though additional Star Wars movies, TV series and theme park attractions (Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida) have come out since the acquisition, Lucas has shifted his focus to philanthropy. —Diane J. Cho, People.com, 28 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attraccioun "(in medicine) drawing of diseased matter to the surface, extraction," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French atraction "(in medicine) drawing in of breath, suction," borrowed from Late Latin attractiōn-, attractiō "act of attracting or contracting" (Medieval Latin also "drawing towards, enticement, usurpation"), from Latin attrac-, variant stem of attrahere "to draw with force, compel to come" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at attract

First Known Use

circa 1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing attraction

• capillary attraction
• star attraction

Rhymes for attraction

• abstraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction
• olfaction

Kids Definition

attraction

noun

at·​trac·​tion ə-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the act, process, or power of attracting

2

: something that attracts or pleases

3

: a force acting between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation

Medical Definition

attraction

noun

at·​trac·​tion ə-ˈtrak-shən 

: a force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation

attract

ə-ˈtrakt 

transitive verb