distract Hear it!

distract Definition

dis·tract (di strakt′)

transitive verb

  1. to draw (the mind, attention, etc.) away in another direction; divert
  2. to draw in conflicting directions; create conflict or confusion in
  3. Obsolete to drive insane; craze

Etymology: ME distracten < L distractus, pp. of distrahere, to draw apart < dis-, apart + trahere, draw

distract Related Forms

dis·tract′·ible adjective dis·tract′·ing adjective dis·tract′·ingly adverb

distract Synonyms

distract

v.

  1. To divert someone's attention

    divert, divert the mind, divert the thoughts, divert the attention, occupy, amuse, entertain, draw away from, beguile, call away, take one's attention from, draw one's attention from, take the mind off, lead astray, attract from, deflect, sidetrack; see also entertain 1, mislead.

  2. To confuse

    bewilder, puzzle, perplex, rattle; see confuse.

distract Usage Examples

Object

  • attention: Policies based on false analysis distract attention from real local issues.
  • viewer: Use of imported News Feeds ( these can be slow and can also distract the viewer ).
  • motorist: These light beams could also distract motorists on the nearby motorway and other roads.
  • opponent: This leaves us with the final question: Did player ( B ) distract an opponent?
  • driver: Remind them not to distract the driver, or block their view in the mirror.
  • reader: I think it is partly not to distract the reader!

Subject

  • noise: Some dyslexic students can be easily distracted by noise, activity or visual clutter - allow them a choice of seating.
  • sight: Scarlett Johansson nearly crashed her car after being distracted by the sight of her own breasts on a giant Hollywood billboard.
  • something: He must have been distracted by something; or we'd both be dead by now.

Modifying Another Word

  • momentarily: She whistles and heads over to the window as she looks down, momentarily distracted on her little quest.
  • easily: Some dyslexic students can be easily distracted by noise, activity or visual clutter - allow them a choice of seating.
  • somewhat: The group however seemed somewhat distracted by an surprisingly comfortable leather couch, which proved to be the most praised item in the museum.
  • temporarily: As I descended, I was temporarily distracted by the sighting of a gray seal.
  • slightly: You might want to even keep yourself slightly distracted.
  • too: Students may find the use of a computer helps them to focus on the task without becoming too distracted.

Used with why or when

when: It is a shame that the rear view spoiler is so distracting when you are trying to reverse.

Preposition: from

task: Whilst non-financial staff can deal with some of these, it can distract from the key task of growing the business.

Preposition: by

  • noise: Some dyslexic students can be easily distracted by noise, activity or visual clutter - allow them a choice of seating.
  • sight: Scarlett Johansson nearly crashed her car after being distracted by the sight of her own breasts on a giant Hollywood billboard.
  • something: He must have been distracted by something; or we'd both be dead by now.