Distract
/dɪˈstrækt/
Definitions
To divert the attention of (someone) or (something).
/dɪˈstrækt/
To draw someone's attention away from something.
The noise from the construction site distracted the students during their exam.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a shiny object that pulls your eyes away from what you're supposed to be doing. Like a funny cat video when you're trying to study!
👶 For kids: To make someone stop paying attention.
More Examples
I tried to focus on my book, but the loud television kept distracting me.
Don't let those silly notifications distract you from your goals.
How It's Used
"The loud music distracted me from my work."
"Students are easily distracted by their phones in class."
Idioms & expressions
easily distracted
Prone to having one's attention easily diverted.
"He is easily distracted by anything that moves."
distraction-free
Without anything to divert one's attention.
"The library offered a distraction-free environment."
From Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere ('to draw apart, pull in different directions'), from dis- ('apart') + trahere ('to draw').
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century, originally referring to drawing apart, but it quickly evolved to its current meaning related to attention.
Memory tip
Imagine someone pulling your attention in different directions, like a puppet on many strings.