distract

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To take someone's attention away from what they are doing.

   The loud music distracted me while I was trying to study.

2. 2
   verb

   To draw attention away from something on purpose, often as a trick.

   The thief distracted the shopkeeper while his partner stole the watch.

3. 3
   verb

   To upset or worry someone so much that they cannot think clearly.

   She was so distracted by grief that she could barely speak.

Borrowed from Latin distractus, from distrahō (“to pull apart”), from dis- + trahō (“to pull”).

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