attract
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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.
-
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)
verb
-
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 separation
the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it
-
to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself
jam attracts wasps
-
(also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
Other Word Forms
- attractable adjective
- attractableness noun
- attracter noun
- attractingly adverb
- attractor noun
- reattract verb (used with object)
- unattractable adjective
- unattracted adjective
- unattracting adjective
Etymology
Origin of attract
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Top U.S. law firms have been growing rapidly in revenue and size, creating a bifurcated market where the big get bigger, allowing them to attract the best talent and outstrip smaller players.
At the time, the retailer was struggling to attract shoppers.
The removal of the ownership ceiling could attract more foreign insurers to enter the country, boosting growth in India’s insurance industry, they say.
The event has exploded on social media, often attracting over 100 participants on warm summer nights.
From Los Angeles Times
As with so many other independent cinemas, if the Mayer can’t attract customers, its legacy will become just another statistic.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
