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

Zak Clark, the new caretaker, whose bunkhouse on the property later survived the fire, attracted younger members and encouraged hands-on involvement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Super Bowl halftime shows have traditionally attracted the biggest names in the music industry, including the likes of Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Paul McCartney.

Read more on Barron's

Winnebago Industries Inc.’s stock rocketed to its biggest one-day gain in more than four decades on Wednesday, after the company said it’s been attracting more youthful buyers for its recreation vehicles and boats.

Read more on MarketWatch

GM’s rally came with enormous volume, likely catching shorts off guard and attracting new longs, a potent combination.

Read more on Barron's

But Pelosi’s challenges have attracted more attention, perhaps in part because her departure from Congress would be the clearest sign yet that the generational shift sought by younger party activists is fully underway.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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