attract
Americanverb (used with object)
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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)
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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unattractableadjective
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attracternoun
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reattractverb (used with object)
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attractablenessnoun
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attractinglyadverb
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unattractingadjective
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attractornoun
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attractableadjective
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unattractedadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has attractedperfect 3rd person singular
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have attractedperfect
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have been attractingperfect progressive
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am attractingprogressive 1st person singular
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attractingparticiple
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is attractingprogressive 3rd person singular
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attractssingular 3rd person
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has been attractingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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are attractingprogressive
Past
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had attractedperfect
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attractedsimple
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was attractingprogressive singular
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had been attractingperfect progressive
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were attractingprogressive plural
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attractedparticiple
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.
It’s possible that CBS will calm down, and that Bilton will prove himself to be an independent editor able to attract talent and cultivate great journalism.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Raymond James analysts noted that Lululemon’s new products have failed to attract shoppers for three straight years.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
In an entertainment landscape dominated by known franchises and intellectual property, the former TV and media executive wanted to leverage the company’s IP in new ways to attract consumers.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
In a statement Mid Ulster Council said: "Decomposing remains can spread disease, attract vermin, and contaminate land and water, and this kind of behaviour is a clear breach of environmental law."
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
The fires my pop set only seemed to attract ’em to us.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
