Attract

Origin

From Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere ("to draw to, attract"), from ad ("to") + trahere ("to draw").

Full definition of attract

Verb

1. To pull toward without touching.
• DerhamAll bodies and all parts of bodies mutually attract themselves and one another.
• 2013, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, Stents to Prevent Stroke, As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.
2. A magnet attracts iron filings.
3. To arouse interest.
   Advertising is designed to attract customers.
4. To draw by moral, emotional or sexual influence; to engage or fix, as the mind, attention, etc.; to invite or allure.
• John MiltonAttracted by thy beauty still to gaze.
5. to attract admirers;   His big smile and brown eyes instantly attracted me.

Synonyms

• allure

Antonyms

• repel

Related terms