Synonyms for

Distract

Verb / dɪˈstrækt / Another word for distract — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to draw someone's attention away from something

Synonyms & similar words

trouble disquiet disorder cark unhinge deflect perturb divert sidetrack disengage detract interrupt derail displace dissuade disturb baffle bewilder confuse unsettle upset unfocus disconcert fluster rattle agitate

Synonyms by register

Formal

divert disorient preoccupy obstruct

Informal

detract throw off take one's mind off pull away

Literary

bewilder mislead allure

Antonyms

focus concentrate attend heed regard notice

Common collocations

  • distract from the task
  • distract the audience
  • distract attention
  • distract the enemy
  • distract oneself
  • distract a child

Word family

noun distraction
verb distract
adjective distracting
adverb distractingly

Usage note

Often used with 'from' to indicate what is being diverted from. Can imply a deliberate attempt to mislead or simply an unintentional interruption.

Example sentences

  1. I cannot concentrate on my homework because the loud music distracts me.
  2. The sight of the bird outside the window distracted the cat.
  3. The phone ringing constantly distracted the employees from their work.
  4. The bright colors of the sign distracted the driver and caused an accident.
  5. The teacher used a toy to distract the crying child.

Quotes

  • The mind that is anxious about the future is miserable. - Seneca
  • Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Buddha
  • A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. - Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

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the and that for you with was this are have not from

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