DictionaryAI

distract

USdi-STRAKT/dɪˈstɹækt/

Formsdistracts, distracting, distracted

4 meanings of distract

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To pull someone's attention away from what they are doing.

    Like someone waving a hand in front of you so you stop reading.

    Loud music can distract students during a test.

    The bright lights distracted the driver for a moment.

    Similardivert, sidetrack, disturb

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To make someone so upset that they lose control of their mind.

    Like worrying so much that you feel you are losing your mind.

    Grief can distract a person until they barely know what they are doing.

    Worry over the missing child nearly distracted the mother.

    Similarmadden, unhinge, derange

    Note
  3. 3
    adjectiveobsolete
    Mad and out of one's right mind.

    Like someone so upset that they cannot think straight at all.

    The old king grew distract after losing his crown.

    She seemed half distract with fear that night.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    adjectiveobsolete
    Pulled apart into separate pieces or directions.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin distractus, from distrahō meaning "to pull apart," made from dis- plus trahō "to pull."