distraction

[ dih-strak-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of distracting.
2. the state of being distracted. distracted.
3. mental distress or derangement:

   That child will drive me to distraction.

   Synonyms: craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness

4. that which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration:

   The distractions of the city interfere with my studies.

5. that which amuses, entertains, or diverts; amusement; entertainment:

   Fishing is his major distraction.

6. division or disorder caused by dissension; tumult.

distraction

/ dɪˈstrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of distracting or the state of being distracted
2. something that serves as a diversion or entertainment
3. an interruption; an obstacle to concentration
4. mental turmoil or madness

Word History and Origins

Origin of distraction¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin distractiōn-, stem of distractiō “separation”; equivalent to distract + -ion

Example Sentences

"School is definitely my biggest distraction whenever I think about it."

From BBC

"Again, the Rwanda scheme was an expensive distraction," she told MPs.

From BBC

“A year ago, that would’ve been a distraction to her,” Close said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s time to find a distraction, and talking or reading about the positives in high school sports is going to be mine.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the morning after election day, and the distraction I had hoped to find from the previous night’s upheaval found me first.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aberration
• complication
• confusion
• disturbance
• diversion
• interference
• interruption