attract
[ uh-trakt ]
/ əˈtrækt /
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.
Words nearby attract
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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for attract
British Dictionary definitions for attract
attract
/ (əˈtrækt) /
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, nounWord Origin for attract
C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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