Distract

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪsˈtɹækt/
• Rhymes: -ækt

Origin

From Latin distraho ("to pull apart"), from dis- + traho ("to pull").

Full definition of distract

Verb

1. (transitive) To divert the attention of.
• 2011, December 10, David Ornstein, Arsenal 1-0 Everton, While Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had warned his players against letting the pre-match festivities distract them from the task at hand, they clearly struggled for fluency early on.
• 2013-06-29, Travels and travails, Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.
2. '
   The crowd was distracted by a helicopter hovering over the stadium when the only goal of the game was scored.

Related terms

• distracted
• distracting
• distraction

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Separated; drawn asunder.
2. (obsolete) Insane; mad.