distract

IPA

Dictionary definition of distract

To divert someone's attention or focus away from a particular subject, task, or situation.
"The constant notifications on his phone distract him from being fully present in social gatherings."

Detailed meaning of distract

When someone distracts another person, they cause a disruption or interruption that hinders their ability to concentrate or engage fully in what they were originally attending to. Distractions can take various forms, such as noises, visual stimuli, conversations, or even internal thoughts or emotions. The purpose of distracting someone is often to shift their attention towards something else, either intentionally or unintentionally. Distractions can interfere with productivity, learning, or effective communication. However, they can also serve as a means of providing a break or respite from a demanding or overwhelming situation. Overall, the act of distracting involves drawing someone's attention away from their current focus, potentially impacting their concentration, performance, or ability to remain fully present in a given context.

Example sentences of distract

1. I tried to distract the dog with a toy.
2. His constant chatter will distract anyone trying to focus.
3. The magician uses sleight of hand to distract the audience.
4. She used a funny story to distract her friend from his pain.
5. Let’s distract the kids with a game while we prepare dinner.
6. Teachers should not distract students with irrelevant information.

History and etymology of distract

The verb 'distract' finds its roots in the Latin word 'distractus,' which is the past participle of 'distractare.' In Latin, 'dis' means 'apart,' and 'trahere' means 'to pull' or 'to draw.' Therefore, the etymology of 'distract' suggests the idea of pulling or drawing one's attention apart from a particular subject, task, or situation. This notion of diverting someone's focus remains at the core of the word's meaning. Over time, 'distract' has come to encompass the act of disrupting or taking someone's attention away, often unintentionally, making it difficult for them to concentrate on what they were originally engaged in.

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Further usage examples of distract

1. Use earplugs if outside noises distract you while studying.
2. The waiter tried to distract the dissatisfied customers with free desserts.
3. The vibrant colors of the artwork distract from its simplicity.
4. Parents often use cartoons to distract their children during long car rides.
5. Some websites use pop-ups to distract and engage visitors.
6. Flashy advertisements distract drivers on the highway.
7. The colorful reef fish distract divers from noticing the lurking shark.
8. Don't let your phone distract you during important meetings.
9. Companies use promotions and discounts to distract consumers from price increases.
10. His goal was to distract the security guard by setting off a car alarm.
11. The playful kittens distract me from my chores.
12. The sounds of the construction site distract employees in the adjacent building.
13. The coach told the team to not let the cheering crowd distract them.
14. She tries to distract her mind with hobbies to avoid overthinking.