distract

[dɪˈstrækt]

distract Definition

• 1. prevent (someone) from concentrating on something
• 2. divert 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

• divert
• sidetrack
• disrupt
• interrupt
• deflect

Antonyms for distract

• focus
• concentrate

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.'