distract
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for distract, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull someone's attention away from what they should be focusing on.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use distract
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
distract someone from
easily distracted
distract attention
Etymology
From Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere, "to pull apart," from dis- ("apart") and trahere ("to pull," also seen in tractor and traction).
Full origin of distract →Frequently asked questions
What does “distract” mean?
The word “distract” means to pull someone's attention away from what they should be focusing on. In plain terms, to draw someone's focus away from the thing they're supposed to be doing.
How do you pronounce “distract”?
“Distract” is pronounced dih-STRAKT (/dɪˈstɹækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “distract” in a sentence?
Here is “distract” used in a sentence: “The noise outside distracted the students during the exam.”
What part of speech is “distract”?
“Distract” is a verb.
Where does the word “distract” come from?
The word “distract” comes from Latin. From Latin distractus, past participle of distrahere, "to pull apart," from dis- ("apart") and trahere ("to pull," also seen in tractor and traction).
Is “distract” a common word?
“Distract” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between distract and disturb?
Distract means to pull someone's attention away from what they should be focusing on, often toward something else entirely. Disturb means to interrupt or unsettle someone, which may stop their focus without necessarily redirecting their attention elsewhere.
What preposition typically follows distract?
Distract is commonly followed by 'from,' as in 'the noise distracted him from his work,' identifying the task or focus that attention was pulled away from.
Can distract be used in a positive sense?
Yes, distract can be used positively, such as distracting a child from pain or fear with a toy or game. In these cases, pulling attention away is intentional and helpful rather than unwanted.
