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

The demand for Glastonbury tickets inevitably attracts scam artists and fraudsters, who prey on people's desperation to separate them from their money.

From BBC

That could help Spotify decrease subscriber churn, increase advertising dollars and attract new customers.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were very conscious of the fact that he seems to be attracted to characters that require a lot of preparation, physicality, voice work, accents, make up,” Neame says.

From Los Angeles Times

They added it was interesting that great white sharks were less attracted to the most conspicuous lights because other studies have found some species were drawn to bright, reflective objects.

From BBC

However, the nature of Coote’s alleged comments are also attracting the attention of the FA.

From BBC

Related Words

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