Distracted
/dɪˈstræktɪd/
Definitions
Having one's attention drawn away; unable to concentrate.
/dɪˈstræktɪd/
Having attention diverted; unable to concentrate.
The child was distracted by the flashing lights of the arcade.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to watch your favorite show, but your little brother keeps yelling. You can't focus, right? That's being distracted. Your mind is pulled away from what you're supposed to be paying attention to.
👶 For kids: When your mind is thinking about something else and you can't pay attention.
More Examples
She seemed distracted during the meeting, as if something was on her mind.
Being distracted, he missed the important announcement.
How It's Used
"She was too distracted to hear the doorbell."
"The students were easily distracted by the noise outside."
"He showed a distracted expression, a sure sign of a stressed mind."
Idioms & expressions
distracted driving
Driving while attention is diverted from the road, often by mobile devices, eating, or other activities.
"Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents."
From Middle English distracten, from Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere 'to pull apart, divert', from dis- 'apart' + trahere 'to draw'.
The word 'distracted' has been used since the 14th century to describe a state of being diverted or drawn away from something.
Memory tip
Think of a traffic jam where cars are distracted by an accident, slowing down the flow.