attract

[uh-trakt]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

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

Example Sentences

The show has already made headlines for the starry cast it has attracted - with many viewers saying the line-up features bigger names than other celebrity TV series.

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“The thing about the house that attracted me is that it had a space that could be a studio.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The "revolutionary" concept aims to attract regional and foreign visitors, encouraging longer stays and higher spending in the resort and the city, said Melco Resorts in a statement.

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The most recent of these, OpenAI's Sora - which was released last week - has attracted scrutiny for the ease with which people can reproduce copyrighted characters and material.

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Despite the popularity of streaming, there are various reasons why people are still attracted to buying vinyl, tapes and CDs.

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Related Words

• appeal to www.thesaurus.com
• bring 
• captivate 
• draw 
• engage 
• entice 
• fascinate 
• interest 
• intrigue 
• invite 
• kill 
• send