distract

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verb

dis·tract di-ˈstrakt

distracted; distracting; distracts

Synonyms of distract next

transitive verb

: to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time

was distracted by a sudden noise

: to turn aside : divert

refused to be distracted from her purpose

: to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives

distractibility

di-ˌstrak-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

noun

distractible adjective

or less commonly distractable

di-ˈstrak-tə-bəl

distractingly

di-ˈstrak-tiŋ-lē

adverb

distract

2 of 2

adjective

dis·tract di-ˈstrakt

ˈdis-ˌtrakt

archaic

: insane, mad

Choose the Right Synonym for distract

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Example Sentences

Verb You sneak into his room while I distract him. He was distracted from his studies. The students are easily distracted, especially when they're tired. I was distracted by a loud noise. The local story distracted attention from news of the war overseas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Long paragraphs included irrelevant background information, with some details designed to distract. —

Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 26 June 2023 Other advocates working on Alaska energy issues question whether the task force is duplicating or distracting from work that’s being done in other forums. —

Nathaniel Herz, Anchorage Daily News, 26 June 2023 Sometimes an artist dies, gets distracted or has second thoughts about a work and it is abandoned. —

Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 23 June 2023 Eventually, Carrie’s call leads to the couple having an intense discussion about their relationship, distracting them from what would be Miranda’s inaugural pegging experience. —

Time, 22 June 2023 That means Carmy is distracted and Sydney is left on her own. —

Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2023 Finn, aiming to distract, tries to get Max to chat about childhood memories and the Cubs’ World Series prospects. —

Maggie Doherty, The New Republic, 16 June 2023 The video's message, though, has been somewhat distracted by three fake pictures worked into it that show Trump hugging and kissing Fauci. —

Douglas Soule, USA TODAY, 15 June 2023 Tom is forced to pay attention to something other than his hips, his broken pelvis, only to get distracted again. —

Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2023

Adjective

At this small brick restaurant in Eastie, Mexican music plays over the speakers just loud enough to entertain but not distract, banners of papel picado line the ceiling, and wooden furniture is carved and painted to show scenes from the pueblito. —

Nicole Kagan, BostonGlobe.com, 27 June 2023 The controversies can – fleetingly – distract from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic fallout and racial strife playing out in many cities. —

John Fritze, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2020 In Bannon’s world, the surest way to succeed is distract, deceive and overwhelm the masses with endless supplies of BS. —

Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post, 13 July 2022 The main goal: hide, cover up, distract, and disappear. —

Lydia Okello, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2022 If crazy UAPs fuzz up the screen and distract pilots, what about the mountain behind the blips? —

Arkansas Online, 17 Jan. 2023 Don’t let the fancy ingredients—flora dust, golden tonic, and supra violet—distract from the fact that these probiotic supplements are all about business. —

Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2022 Fortunately, it's been confirmed that Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will return to judge the bakes and declare soggy bottoms, and Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas will also be back to host (and playfully distract contestants). —

Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2022 If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to defend, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape. —

BostonGlobe.com, 23 July 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.