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
But firing an employee over their social media posts might distract other workers and hurt morale. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Her commitment to the film's eroticism and go-for-broke attitude distracted some from what the movie was really trying to say. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 His explanation had a lot of moving parts to it and even involved being distracted by Goldie Hawn. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 That starts with taking their claims seriously, and not being distracted by our own childish biases. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Templeton felt as if the daily menial tasks were meant to distract her from her lack of autonomy and independence, and the pressure to be perfect was bearing down on her. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 These kind of ballot measures continue to distract Californians from the real issues plaguing our state and come from leaders who would rather fear-monger than deliver real results for California. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2024 Arnautovic was aged 20 on the Inter team that won a treble in 2010 but left after making just three appearances while getting distracted by Milan’s nightlife with then-teammate Mario Balotelli. Andrew Dampf, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Asked for their reasons for supporting or not supporting LGBTQ scenarios, 75% of Republicans said that LGBTQ topics distract from academic topics. Peter Greene, Forbes, 22 Feb. 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 The controversies can – fleetingly – distract from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic fallout and racial strife playing out in many cities. John Fritze, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2020 In Bannon’s world, the surest way to succeed is distract, deceive and overwhelm the masses with endless supplies of BS. Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post, 13 July 2022 The main goal: hide, cover up, distract, and disappear. Lydia Okello, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2022 If crazy UAPs fuzz up the screen and distract pilots, what about the mountain behind the blips? Arkansas Online, 17 Jan. 2023 Don’t let the fancy ingredients—flora dust, golden tonic, and supra violet—distract from the fact that these probiotic supplements are all about business. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022 Fortunately, it's been confirmed that Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will return to judge the bakes and declare soggy bottoms, and Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas will also be back to host (and playfully distract contestants). Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2022

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

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 19 Mar. 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

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