distracted

[ dih-strak-tid ]

adjective

1. inattentive; preoccupied.
2. having the attention diverted:

   She tossed several rocks to the far left and slipped past the distracted sentry.

3. rendered incapable of behaving, reacting, etc., in a normal manner, as by worry, remorse, or the like; irrational; disturbed.

distracted

/ dɪˈstræktɪd /

adjective

1. bewildered; confused
2. mad

Derived Forms

• disˈtractedly, adverb
• disˈtractedness, noun

Other Words From

• dis·tracted·ly adverb
• dis·tracted·ness noun
• nondis·tracted adjective
• nondis·tracted·ly adverb
• undis·tracted adjective
• undis·tracted·ly adverb
• undis·tracted·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distracted¹

First recorded in 1580–90; distract + -ed ²

Example Sentences

In his pre-tournament news conference on Monday, Nadal insisted he would not be distracted by emotion as he aimed to help Spain win the Davis Cup for a sixth time in his career.

From BBC

Retiring superstar Rafael Nadal says he will not be distracted by emotion as he aims to help Spain win the Davis Cup in the final tournament of his illustrious career.

From BBC

They are easily distracted and taken advantage of.

From Salon

The verbal fireworks seem inevitable: that is the Trump way but don’t get distracted by them, is the mantra for some.

From BBC

As you wait for results to come in, we recommend staying distracted by watching these eight recent TV shows; they’re sure to ease your election day anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inattentive
• preoccupied