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)

Other Word Forms

• attractable adjective
• attractor noun
• attractableness noun
• attractingly adverb
• attracter noun
• reattract verb (used with object)
• unattractable adjective
• unattracted adjective
• unattracting 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

It is also hard to attract new workers to the state because it is just so unaffordable to buy homes, noted BMO’s Anderson.

Read more on MarketWatch

James touted Vari-Form as a stand-alone asset and attracted fresh debt capital from new investors including Apollo Global Management, according to a securities filing and a person familiar with the matter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The event also attracted some of the sport's biggest names, as Kenya's three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Faith Kipyegon won the mile, crossing the finish line in four hours 17.78 minutes.

Read more on BBC

House Speaker Johnson suggested that “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood would attract a “broader audience.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But its handling of copyright material - and the images of dead public figures - has attracted significant criticism online despite the growth.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• appeal to www.thesaurus.com
• bring 
• captivate 
• draw 
• engage 
• entice 
• fascinate 
• interest 
• intrigue 
• invite 
• kill 
• send