distraction

/dəˈstrækʃən/

/dɪsˈtrækʃən/

Other forms: distractions

A distraction is something that takes your attention away from what you're supposed to be doing. If you just can't keep from checking your email every ten seconds, that's a distraction that's going to interfere with doing your homework.

A distraction can also be a pleasant break. If you're worried about your dance recital tomorrow, watching a mindless action flick may be a welcome distraction that helps you relax. Has anyone ever told you, "You're driving me to distraction"? When you're driven to distraction, you're so agitated you feel like you're going crazy. Distraction comes from the Latin dis-, "apart," and trahere, "drag." So distraction is when you're dragged away from your task or from your worries.

Definitions of distraction

1. noun

   the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something
   synonyms: misdirection

   type of:

   alteration, revision

   the act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification)
2. noun

   an obstacle to attention
   type of:

   inattention

   lack of attention
3. noun

   mental turmoil
   “he drives me to distraction”

   type of:

   confusedness, confusion, disarray, mental confusion, muddiness

   a mental state characterized by a lack of clear and orderly thought and behavior
4. noun

   an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations
   synonyms: beguilement

   type of:

   amusement, entertainment

   an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention