distractive

[ dih-strak-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to distract.

Other Words From

• dis·tractive·ly adverb
• nondis·tractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of distractive¹

First recorded in 1625–35; distract + -ive

Example Sentences

Knecht shot just 5 of 18 from the field, but his free throw shooting was clutch amid distractive screams, howls and whistling in the arena.

From Seattle Times

They’re the ones whose debatable influence on Texas A&M’s top-ranked recruiting class helped irk dynastic Alabama Coach Nick Saban, whose words in the spring irked Texas A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher, providing a nation with fine distractive fare.

From Washington Post

It’s especially resonant in the brilliantly shot flashback scenes dramatizing a memory of Nicholas’ from a swimming pool incident — one in which his dad memorably figures — and how distractive curiosity becomes the stuff of abiding, debilitating shame.

From Los Angeles Times

We appreciate that behavior apparently meant to incite public officials can be annoying and distractive.

From Washington Times

“Some officers legitimately just think adding to a long checklist of to-dos might be distractive to focusing on the job, which can quickly get serious.”

From Washington Times