distract

1 of 2

verb

dis·​tract di-ˈstrakt 

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

di-ˌstrak-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

distractible adjective

or less commonly distractable

di-ˈstrak-tə-bəl 

distractingly

di-ˈstrak-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

distract

2 of 2

adjective

dis·​tract di-ˈstrakt 

ˈdis-ˌtrakt

archaic

: insane, mad

Synonyms

Verb

• abstract
• call off
• detract
• divert
• throw off

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 that’s a red herring—a way to distract policymakers from what’s really at fault. —Paul Weinstein Jr., Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

The next night, the same lineup will play in State College, Pennsylvania, and Johnson promises there will be no interviews distracting him from catching Keith’s performance. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 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

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

Phrases Containing distract

• divert/distract attention

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