attract
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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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.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention )
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(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
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to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself
jam attracts wasps
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(also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“This article is going to be a nightmare for me,” he told a Times reporter, because it’s likely to attract a parade of unsolicited garbage trucks looking to dump their bags.
From Los Angeles Times
Russia is now seeking to attract Chinese and other foreign scientists to a new research station in Barentsburg.
The event, recognised by the UN's cultural organisation, Unesco, now attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
From BBC
But despite Co-op Live's success in attracting big names, some say the regional gap in major artists choosing London over the North has still not been closed.
From BBC
One SCiLL class she raved about in particular has also attracted considerable ire.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
