attract

[ uh-trakt ]
See synonyms for: attractattractedattractingattracts on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. 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.

  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.

verb (used without object)
  1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

Origin of attract

1
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”

Other words from attract

  • at·tract·a·ble, adjective
  • at·tract·a·ble·ness, noun
  • at·tract·ing·ly, adverb
  • at·trac·tor, at·tract·er, noun
  • re·at·tract, verb (used with object)
  • un·at·tract·a·ble, adjective
  • un·at·tract·ed, adjective
  • un·at·tract·ing, adjective

Words Nearby attract

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use attract in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for attract

attract

/ (əˈtrækt) /


verb(mainly tr)
  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

  1. to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself: jam attracts wasps

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

Origin of attract

1
C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull

Derived forms of attract

  • attractable, adjective
  • attractor or attracter, noun

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