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

While Russia has long been able to attract volunteers to the war with large payments, there are signs that recruitment is now struggling to keep pace with casualties.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he remained bullish Phase I would attract sufficient credits.

From The Wall Street Journal

But with a television audience—although declining, it still attracts between 25 million and 40 million viewers—the speech presents an opportunity no president lets pass.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ending, which I won’t spoil here, has become a lightning rod of controversy that cannot be destroyed, no matter how much acrimonious electricity it attracts.

From Salon

But Yap urges caution given the strength of recent share-price gains, telling investors to favor banks with defensive earnings, strong capital buffers and scope to attract additional foreign inflows.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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