attract
[uh-trakt]
- 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.
- 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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- to possess or exert the power of attraction.
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Origin of attract
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin attractus drawn to (past participle of attrahere), equivalent to at- at- + trac- (variant stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for attract
Contemporary Examples
Cold War fears could be manipulated through misleading art to attract readers to daunting material.
Not all Israeli gay propaganda is pinkwashing—a lot of it is good, old-fashioned PR to attract gay tourist dollars to Tel Aviv.
They dye their hair and alter their clothes, but not enough to attract attention from authorities.
North Korea’s Secret Movie Bootleggers: How Western Films Make It Into the Hermit KingdomLizzie Crocker
December 22, 2014
Who helps build convention centers and adjacent hotels so cities can attract convention business?
Democrats Are Petrified of Defending Government—but They Need to StartMichael Tomasky
December 4, 2014
As we approach the rumble of guns grows louder and alternates with the whir of cannonballs, which begin to attract his attention.
Historical Examples
And, if we do, it is doubtful if we can attract their attention.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
There will be nothing to attract these poor children to one centre.
Fire Worship (From "Mosses From An Old Manse")Nathaniel Hawthorne
Finally Number Thirteen cracked his long whip to attract their attention.
The Monster MenEdgar Rice Burroughs
Whatever the motive for his masquerade, it was not to attract anything feminine.
It Happened in EgyptC. N. Williamson
However little one desires to attract, one may at least wish one's hat to be straight.
The Incomplete AmoristE. Nesbit
attract
- to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention)
- (also intr) to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separationthe gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it
- to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itselfjam attracts wasps
- (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
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Word Origin
C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for attract
v.
early 15c., from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere "to draw, pull; to attract," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + trahere "draw" (see tract (n.1)).
Originally a medical term for the body's tendency to absorb fluids, nourishment, etc., or for a poultice treatment to "draw out" diseased matter (1560s). Of the ability of people or animals to draw others to them, it is attested from 1560s; of physical forces (magnetism, etc.), from c.1600 (implied in attraction). Related: Attracted; attracting.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper