attract
Americanverb (used with object)
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attracts,
present (3rd person singular)
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attracted,
past participle, past
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attracting
present participle
-
to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to repel).
The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.
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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)
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attracts,
present (3rd person singular)
-
attracted,
past participle, past
-
attracting
present participle
verb
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to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention )
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(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
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to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself
jam attracts wasps
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(also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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attractablenessnoun
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attracternoun
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attractornoun
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reattractverb (used with object)
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attractableadjective
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unattractableadjective
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unattractedadjective
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unattractingadjective
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attractinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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attractsimple
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attractssimple
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have attractedperfect
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has attractedperfect
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am attractingprogressive
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are attractingprogressive
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is attractingprogressive
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have been attractingperfect progressive
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has been attractingperfect progressive
Past
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attractedsimple
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had attractedperfect
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was attractingprogressive
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were attractingprogressive
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had been attractingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of attract
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”
Explanation
To attract is to exert a force that draws something in, like the way a magnet attracts a paper clip. You might know the phrase, "opposites attract." This means you might be drawn to a personality type that is completely unlike yours. With attract comes the sense that the pull you feel towards someone or something is not entirely voluntary. It's quite possible to say that you are attracted to someone, but you don't really like them. Low prices can attract buyers into a store they would not normally go into, and standing on a street corner screaming loudly will probably attract quite a bit of attention, but not the good kind.
Vocabulary lists containing attract
Electricity and Magnetism - Introductory
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"Return to Titanic" and "Talking with Robert Ballard"
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Force, Motion, and Energy
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The breakthrough involves pushing ultracold cesium atoms far beyond their normal conditions by repeatedly changing how strongly they attract or repel one another.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026
Although developed to attract foreign visitors, the resort is also open to local tourists.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
Violation of the orders would "attract suitable legal action", police said Thursday, but added that they would allow "selected persons" to gather at a "suitable place".
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
A landlocked country still widely associated with a horrific genocide in 1994, Rwanda has used sports to revamp its image, attract tourists and impress investors with its organisational efficiency.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
We had counted on the commotion to attract Mother’s attention, and now she opened her window and put her head out.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
As a WTA 1,000 event, it is in the tier of tournaments directly below the Grand Slams and attracts the strongest fields on the women's tour.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
Anula took us to Tjöruhúsið, a local restaurant that attracts diners from across the country.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
The niche, sometimes unbelievable drama of this community attracts rubberneckers who’ve never even attempted German short rows or an Italian bind-off in their lives.
From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2026
Stone attracts a lot of attention for her tender age and lavishly produced content.
From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026
Anything I do, other than standing, other than walking, attracts their attention.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Reed’s online petition has attracted the attention of city Controller Kenneth Mejia, who said last week that he would investigate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
This shared feature attracted the attention of Banfield and his colleagues because it suggested that scientists might be able to redesign the receptors to recognize additional fungal threats.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026
At a public event in August his presence attracted the rage of an Israel-hater.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
The fund aimed to raise $1 billion a year from corporations for conservation in developing countries but so far has attracted just $6,000.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
But they were so attracted to Flo that they overcame their fear in order to keep close to her.
From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall
In Philadelphia, a $5 billion shipyard project needs more space for shipbuilding, and has challenges attracting more customers beyond its owner, Korean company Hanwha Shipping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
"The idea of a possessed and frightening mom, played by Jessica Chastain, is attracting audiences and should work around the world, before poor word-of-mouth catches up with it."
From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026
Cartier’s sales have been booming as the brand does a good job of attracting customers at different ends of the income spectrum, which might now be the key to success in a K-shaped economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
It’s not just about attracting casual fans to watch the icon whose face adorns everything from airplanes to skin care products.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
This method of attracting funds suited Mike Burry.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
