attract

American  

[uh-trakt] / əˈtrækt /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

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

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.

Example Sentences

"We think this colour pattern helps keep it safe. If the octopus grabs a prey item that emits light, that light may attract predators that might then eat the octopus," she explained.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

SpaceX is expected to attract a lot of individual investors, and lately they have been “momentum” traders, underwriters say.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

"I wanted to do a great achievement, to attract attention, and to become a player people love and follow."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Burger King, which has embarked on a multi-year comeback effort — the struggling chain recently updated its Whopper — has looked to tie-in programs as a way to attract families.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Worse, they had begun to attract the wrong sort of people—parvenus from Boston and New York.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• appeal to
• bring
• captivate
• draw
• engage
• entice
• fascinate
• interest
• intrigue
• invite
• kill
• send