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 (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
- 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”
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.
I mean, it helps just for attracting audience to the telecast.
From Los Angeles Times
While the Golden State also attracts a large number of newcomers, it has had the biggest net outflow for six years in a row.
From Los Angeles Times
England's time in Noosa would not have attracted nearly as much scrutiny had they been winning, but they were not.
From BBC
After it was first put on the market in 2001 and failed to attract offers, Andrew became personally involved.
From BBC
A celebrity spin-off featuring Alan Carr and Sir Stephen Fry was a huge success last autumn, attracting more than 15 million viewers.
From BBC
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.
