attract

American  

[uh-trakt] / əˈtrækt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (repel ).

   The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.

2. to draw by appealing to the emotions or senses, by stimulating interest, or by exciting admiration; allure; invite.

   to attract attention; to attract admirers by one's charm.

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verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract British  

/ əˈtrækt /

verb

1. to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention )

2. (also intr) to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation

   the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it

3. to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself

   jam attracts wasps

4. (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)

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Other Word Forms

• attractable adjective
• attractableness noun
• attracter noun
• attractingly adverb
• attractor noun
• reattract verb (used with object)
• unattractable adjective
• unattracted adjective
• unattracting adjective

Etymology

Origin of attract

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin attractus “drawn toward,” past participle of attrahere “to draw toward,” from at- at- + trahere “to draw, drag, pull”

Explanation

To attract is to exert a force that draws something in, like the way a magnet attracts a paper clip. You might know the phrase, "opposites attract." This means you might be drawn to a personality type that is completely unlike yours. With attract comes the sense that the pull you feel towards someone or something is not entirely voluntary. It's quite possible to say that you are attracted to someone, but you don't really like them. Low prices can attract buyers into a store they would not normally go into, and standing on a street corner screaming loudly will probably attract quite a bit of attention, but not the good kind.

Example Sentences

Built in 2017, the futuristic appearance continues to attract attention.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Our economy is better equipped than most to absorb shocks and attract capital seeking safety.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The state invested heavily in building soundstages to attract film business from California, earning the moniker “Hollywood of the South.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recruiting has famously used aggressive, macho memes to attract the Francises of the world.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Beetle stayed hidden, more afraid to attract the taunts and torments of the boys than to lose the cat.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

Related Words

• appeal to
• bring
• captivate
• draw
• engage
• entice
• fascinate
• interest
• intrigue
• invite
• kill
• send