prevent (someone) from concentrating on something, divert one's attention from something troubling or difficult

Formal and Informal Expressions of distract

In different contexts, you can replace 'distract' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'divert, sidetrack' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'throw off, mess up' is a commonplace synonym.

distract: Explore its Definition & Usage

distract Definition

1prevent (someone) from concentrating on something
2divert one's attention from something troubling or difficult

Using distract: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "distract" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The noise from the construction site distracted me from my work.
Example
She tried to distract him from his worries by taking him out for a walk.
Example
The bright colors of the painting distract from its lack of detail.
Example
He was easily distracted by his phone during the meeting.

distract Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for distract

Antonyms for distract

Phrases with distract

distract from
to draw attention away from something
Example
The loud music distracted from the speaker's message.
distract oneself
to do something to take one's mind off something else
Example
She distracted herself from her problems by going for a run.
distract attention
to cause people to stop paying attention to something
Example
The sudden noise distracted attention from the speaker.

Origins of distract

from Latin 'distractus', meaning 'drawn apart'

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Summary: distract in Brief

The verb 'distract' [dɪˈstrækt] means to prevent someone from concentrating on something or divert one's attention from something troubling or difficult. It is often used in phrases like 'distract from,' as in 'The bright colors of the painting distract from its lack of detail,' and 'distract oneself,' as in 'She distracted herself from her problems by going for a run.'