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attract

[ uh-trakt ]
/ əˈtrékt /
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See synonyms for: attract / attracted / attracting / attracts on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
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.
verb (used without object)
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

OTHER WORDS FROM attract

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use attract in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for attract

attract
/ (əˈtrékt) /

verb (mainly tr)
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)

Derived forms of attract

attractable, adjectiveattractor or attracter, noun

Word Origin for attract

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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