attract

[ uh-trakt ]

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• atˈtractable, adjective
• atˈtractor, noun

Other Words From

• at·tracta·ble adjective
• at·tracta·ble·ness noun
• at·tracting·ly adverb
• at·tractor at·tracter noun
• reat·tract verb (used with object)
• unat·tracta·ble adjective
• unat·tracted adjective
• unat·tracting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull

Example Sentences

We all want to stay on top of them as this will attract more customers.

From Search Engine Watch

Levitt has suggested previously that the new enrollment period was a “very partial step” and predicted that it might not attract many customers because the health plans were not affordable to everyone eligible for them.

From Washington Post

Fenty Beauty, her cosmetics brand, attracted customers by catering to a wide range of skin tones.

From Quartz

If you fail to optimize your business for local search, you’ll attract generic leads that aren’t capable of making a transaction because of geographical constraints.

From Search Engine Watch

The page was established Saturday with an initial goal of $45,000 and attracted nearly 10,000 donors in only a few days.

From Washington Post

Cold War fears could be manipulated through misleading art to attract readers to daunting material.

From The Daily Beast

Not all Israeli gay propaganda is pinkwashing—a lot of it is good, old-fashioned PR to attract gay tourist dollars to Tel Aviv.

From The Daily Beast

They dye their hair and alter their clothes, but not enough to attract attention from authorities.

From The Daily Beast

Who helps build convention centers and adjacent hotels so cities can attract convention business?

From The Daily Beast

As we approach the rumble of guns grows louder and alternates with the whir of cannonballs, which begin to attract his attention.

From The Daily Beast

Personally, the English do not attract nor shine; but collectively they are a race to make their mark on the destinies of mankind.

From Project Gutenberg

A Cremona Violin is, to a rich amateur, a loadstone that is sure to attract the shining metal from the depths of his purse.

From Project Gutenberg

A young lady so fascinating in mind and person could not but attract much attention.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Transient Car bill, as it came to be called, began mysteriously to attract unprecedented attention.

From Project Gutenberg

He was entirely neglected, and his Odes, which possessed great merit, failed to attract any attention during his life time.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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