attract
[ uh-trakt ]
/ əˈtrækt /
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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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
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
Words nearby attract
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences 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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