distracted

[dih-strak-tid]

adjective

1. inattentive; preoccupied.

2. having the attention diverted.

   She tossed several rocks to the far left and slipped past the distracted sentry.

3. rendered incapable of behaving, reacting, etc., in a normal manner, as by worry, remorse, or the like; irrational; disturbed.

distracted

/ dɪˈstræktɪd /

adjective

1. bewildered; confused

2. mad

Other Word Forms

• distractedly adverb
• distractedness noun
• nondistracted adjective
• nondistractedly adverb
• undistracted adjective
• undistractedly adverb
• undistractedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distracted¹

First recorded in 1580–90; distract + -ed ²

Example Sentences

"After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the chief justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted," Mr Jha added.

From BBC

No matter how sick or heartbroken or distracted I am by love or children, the flow just never stops.

From Los Angeles Times

His bond with Indy is pure and strong, yet one-sided in that Todd is too distracted to ease the dog’s fears.

From Los Angeles Times

"I learned quite quickly in cricket that I really need to focus to get the best out of myself - I can get distracted and I can drift quite quickly," Bell told BBC Sport.

From BBC

But this couldn’t be chalked up to an impaired or distracted driver.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disturbed 
• panicked www.thesaurus.com