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Definition of distractor

distractor

/dɪˈstræk.tɚ/
dis · trac · tor
Adverb:distractively
•
Plural:distractors
•
Adjective:distractive
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distractor Lexical Profile

distractor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An incorrect option in a multiple-choice question designed to appear plausible to test-takers who have not mastered the material.

Example

"A well-written exam question should include several plausible distractors alongside the single correct answer."

2

A person, stimulus, or thing that diverts someone's attention away from a task or focal point.

Example

"In the cognitive psychology experiment, flashing lights on the edge of the screen served as visual distractors."

3

A surgical device or instrument used to separate bone fragments or joint surfaces to promote bone lengthening or healing.

Example

"The oral surgeon attached a mechanical distractor to gradually widen the patient's jawbone."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for distractor

Word Nuance & Usage

Both "distractor" and "distracter" are correct, though "distractor" is overwhelmingly preferred in educational testing, cognitive psychology, and surgical contexts.

• Rhymes for distractor

• Nearby Words

distractingly
distraction
distractive
distractor
distraught
distress
distressed

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb "distract" (from Latin distractus, meaning "drawn apart") combined with the Latinate agent suffix "-or."

Cite this Entry

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