Distract — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /di-ˈstrakt/ dis·tract

Meaning & Definition of Distract

Distract (verb)

  1. to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
  2. to turn aside, divert
  3. to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives

Distract (adjective)

  1. insane, mad

Distract (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to draw the attention or mind to something else

    "we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside"

    similar: abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off
    related: amuse, beguile, entertain, stray, wander
    near: concentrate, focus

  2. to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy

    "distracted by the looming tax deadline"

    similar: agitate, ail, alarm, bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distress, disturb, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, weird out, worry
    related: aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, chivy, exasperate, fret, gall, get, grate, harass, harry, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put off, put out, rile, vex, bedevil, haunt, plague, abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, jar, mortify, nonplus, rattle, shake up, daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, unnerve
    opposite: calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize
    near: allay, alleviate, assuage, appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Distract

The most common words with a similar meaning to Distract:

abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off, agitate, ail, alarm, bother, concern, derail, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distemper, distress, disturb, exercise, flurry, frazzle, freak (out), fuss, hagride, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, weird out, worry

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Distract

Words with the opposite meaning of Distract:

calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize

Related Words for Distract

amuse, beguile, entertain, stray, wander, aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, chivy, exasperate, fret, gall, get, grate, harass, harry, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put off, put out, rile, vex, bedevil, haunt

Near Antonyms of Distract

concentrate, focus, allay, alleviate, assuage, appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate

Word Forms of Distract

Inflections: distracted, distracting, distracts

Derived words: distractibility (noun), distractible (adjective), distractingly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Distract

Middle English distracten, borrowed from Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere "to pull apart, break up, separate, draw (a person's mind) in contrary directions," from dis- dis- + trahere "to drag, draw, take along" abstract:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Distract

Words & Phrases Containing Distract

divert/distract attention

Frequently Asked Questions about Distract

What does "Distract" mean?

"Distract" means to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Distract"?

Other words for "Distract" include abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off, agitate, ail and alarm. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Distract" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Distract"?

There are 82 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Distract". Common alternatives include abstract, call off, detract, divert, throw off, agitate, ail, alarm, bother and concern.

What is the opposite of "Distract"?

Antonyms of "Distract" include calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe and tranquilize. Near antonyms include concentrate, focus, allay and alleviate.

How do you use "Distract" in a sentence?

Examples of "Distract" in a sentence: "we were distracted from our discussion by the noise outside"; "distracted by the looming tax deadline".

Is "Distract" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Distract" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Distract" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Distract" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Distract"?

"Distract" is pronounced /di-ˈstrakt/ and divided into syllables as dis·tract.