distraction

[dih-strak-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of distracting.

2. the state of being distracted. distracted.

3. mental distress or derangement.

   That child will drive me to distraction.

   Synonyms: craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness

4. that which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration.

   The distractions of the city interfere with my studies.

5. that which amuses, entertains, or diverts; amusement; entertainment.

   Fishing is his major distraction.

6. division or disorder caused by dissension; tumult.

distraction

/ dɪˈstrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of distracting or the state of being distracted

2. something that serves as a diversion or entertainment

3. an interruption; an obstacle to concentration

4. mental turmoil or madness

Word History and Origins

Origin of distraction¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin distractiōn-, stem of distractiō “separation”; equivalent to distract + -ion

Example Sentences

On Sunday, the president said he will not attend the hearing in person as he did not want to cause a distraction.

Read more on BBC

Roughly half the 50 U.S. states have imposed some form of cellphone ban in school classrooms, on the logic that fewer distractions result in more learning.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The announcement comes shortly after Andrew gave up the title of Duke of York, hoping to end the “distraction” his scandal caused.

Read more on Salon

There’s just too much noise out there — too many distractions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The launch of that program led to a lot of distraction and pulled attention away from the company’s core business.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• aberration 
• complication 
• confusion 
• disturbance 
• diversion 
• interference 
• interruption