distract

/dəˈstrækt/

/dɪsˈtrækt/

Other forms: distracted; distracting; distracts

Distract is what you do when you draw someone’s attention — Hey! Look! Over there! Oh. Never mind. What was I saying? That’s right: distract is to draw attention away from what someone is doing.

Distract comes from the Latin word for “draw apart.” It can be annoying when someone or something distracts you. A loud car alarm or a talkative friend might distract you when you’re watching your favorite TV show. But being distracted is not always bad. Playing a round of miniature golf might distract you from feeling sad about the death of your parakeet.

Definitions of distract

1. verb

   draw someone's attention away from something
   “The thief distracted the bystanders”

   synonyms: deflect

   type of:

   confuse, disconcert, flurry, put off

   cause to feel embarrassment
2. verb

   disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
   synonyms: cark, disorder, disquiet, perturb, trouble, unhinge

   types:

   vex, worry

   disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress

   misgive

   suggest fear or doubt

   eat, eat on

   worry or cause anxiety in a persistent way

   nag

   worry persistently

   type of:

   disturb, trouble, upset

   move deeply