attract

American  

[uh-trakt] / əˈtrækt /

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract British  

/ 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)

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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”

Explanation

To attract is to exert a force that draws something in, like the way a magnet attracts a paper clip. You might know the phrase, "opposites attract." This means you might be drawn to a personality type that is completely unlike yours. With attract comes the sense that the pull you feel towards someone or something is not entirely voluntary. It's quite possible to say that you are attracted to someone, but you don't really like them. Low prices can attract buyers into a store they would not normally go into, and standing on a street corner screaming loudly will probably attract quite a bit of attention, but not the good kind.

Example Sentences

And, because these two companies in particular are so large, they attract passive funds even as the float becomes smaller, driving share prices reflexively higher.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

In February, the company also started testing wraps priced under $15—cheaper than its salad bowls—to attract customers with lower budgets.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have funnelled billions to position themselves as regional AI and technology hubs, aiming to attract high-skilled talent.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Company executives have previously said Disney pivoted marketing and promotional efforts to attract local visitors.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

I move away from the cave so I don’t attract attention.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

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