attract

[ uh-trakt ]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• atˈtractable, adjective
• atˈtractor, noun

Other Words From

• at·tracta·ble adjective
• at·tracta·ble·ness noun
• at·tracting·ly adverb
• at·tractor at·tracter noun
• reat·tract verb (used with object)
• unat·tracta·ble adjective
• unat·tracted adjective
• unat·tracting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull

Example Sentences

The tetchy encounter between the two has attracted about two million views online to date.

From BBC

“Those are the kinds of statements that certainly attract investors, and they certainly get donations to get a research study done.”

From Salon

The contest between two Democrats with similar social policies but differing views on crime and business attracted huge spending by special interests.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the years Daoud and Sansal have both attracted the wrath of official circles in Algeria, where they are regularly accused of selling out to the former colonial power.

From BBC

Thus newspapers became more than political rags and began reporting on every aspect of American society – attracting the advertisers of everything involved in American society along the way.

From Salon

Related Words

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