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Definition of distract

distract

/dɪˈstrækt/
dis · tract
Adverb:distractingly
•
Adjective:distracting
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Past Simple:distracted
•
Past Participle:distracted
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Present Participle:distracting
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distract Lexical Profile

distract Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To prevent someone from giving their full attention to something by drawing their focus away.

Example

"Please turn off the television so it does not distract the students while they are studying."

2

To divert one's mind from worry, boredom, or unpleasant thoughts through amusement or another activity.

Example

"She took a long walk through the botanical gardens to distract herself from the stressful news."

3

To perplex, agitate, or trouble the mind greatly with conflicting emotions (usually used in the passive voice).

Example

"Distracted by grief and uncertainty, the monarch struggled to make a clear decision."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for distract

• Nearby Words

distorter
distortion
distortive
distract
distractable
distracted
distractedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin distractus, the past participle of distrahere, meaning "to draw in different directions" or "to pull asunder," formed from dis- ("apart") and trahere ("to draw" or "to pull").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Distract. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/distract
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