distract

1 of 2

verb

dis·​tract di-ˈstrakt How to pronounce distract (audio)
distracted; distracting; distracts

transitive verb

1
a
: to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
was distracted by a sudden noise
b
: to turn aside : divert
refused to be distracted from her purpose
2
: to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives
distractibility noun
distractible adjective
or less commonly distractable
distractingly adverb

distract

2 of 2

adjective

dis·​tract di-ˈstrakt How to pronounce distract (audio)
ˈdis-ˌtrakt
archaic
: insane, mad
Choose the Right Synonym for distract

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of distract in a Sentence

Verb You sneak into his room while I distract him. He was distracted from his studies. The students are easily distracted, especially when they're tired. I was distracted by a loud noise. The local story distracted attention from news of the war overseas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The memes and skits distract from the severity of his crimes and the ongoing dialogue about why abuse persists today. Susan Akyeampong, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Many try to distract themselves from this new reality, not paying too much attention to it; the very few who express their discontent openly—or do things like trying to set fire to a military recruitment center—are sometimes punished with harsh prison sentences despite their young age. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Self-promoters, like Conor McGregor, adopt pro-wrestling styles, while pests, like Patrick Beverley or Reggie Miller, try to agitate, anger or distract opponents. Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023 At this small brick restaurant in Eastie, Mexican music plays over the speakers just loud enough to entertain but not distract, banners of papel picado line the ceiling, and wooden furniture is carved and painted to show scenes from the pueblito. Nicole Kagan, BostonGlobe.com, 27 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for distract 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English distracten, borrowed from Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere "to pull apart, break up, separate, draw (a person's mind) in contrary directions," from dis- dis- + trahere "to drag, draw, take along" — more at abstract entry 1

Adjective

Middle English distracte, borrowed from Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere "to pull apart, break up, separate, draw (a person's mind) in contrary directions" — more at distract entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distract was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near distract

Cite this Entry

“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distract. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

distract

verb
dis·​tract
dis-ˈtrakt
1
: to draw the attention or mind to something else
2
: to upset or trouble in mind to the point of confusion
distractible
-ˈtrak-tə-bəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on distract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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