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View synonyms for

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: , , ,
  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

/ ɪˈٰæʃə /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of distraction1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

On Monday, he said that, “I just hope that we can be a positive distraction for what people are going through in Los Angeles right now.”

From

“I just hope that we can be a positive distraction for what people are going through in Los Angeles right now,” Roberts said on Monday in San Diego.

From

“He always finds a distraction,” Padilla said, “and, when all else fails, he goes back to demonizing and scapegoating immigrants. … He creates a crisis to get us all talking about something else.”

From

Salon Premium members can read all of Amanda's articles — and everything else Salon has to offer — without the distraction of ads.

From

In internal and external dialogue, they can convey impatience, distraction, delirium, ecstasy.

From

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