attract

American  

[uh-trakt] / əˈtrækt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (repel ).

   The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.

2. 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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract British  

/ əˈtrækt /

verb

1. to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention )

2. (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

3. to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself

   jam attracts wasps

4. (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)

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Other Word Forms

• attractable adjective
• attractableness noun
• attracter noun
• attractingly adverb
• attractor noun
• reattract verb (used with object)
• unattractable adjective
• unattracted adjective
• unattracting adjective

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”

Example Sentences

It started as a way for small businesses to have an e-commerce storefront but has also attracted larger retailers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Michael Brown, a strategist at broker Pepperstone, suggested that the rally has legs, however—especially since the recent run-up could attract more retail investors to the metal, which is historically a volatile commodity.

From Barron's

The operators have countered that the casinos would create well-paying jobs, attract outside spending and boost tax revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal

The white metal is also much cheaper than gold, attracting a broad range of investors seeking more affordable safe-haven assets, and is widely used in industry—from the manufacture of solar panels to artificial-intelligence semiconductors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some traders suggest they could attract buyers looking for a higher yield than offered by similarly-dated U.K. securities.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appeal to
• bring
• captivate
• draw
• engage
• entice
• fascinate
• interest
• intrigue
• invite
• kill
• send