distracted

American  

[dih-strak-tid] / dɪˈstræk tɪd /

adjective

1. inattentive; preoccupied.

2. having the attention diverted.

   She tossed several rocks to the far left and slipped past the distracted sentry.

3. rendered incapable of behaving, reacting, etc., in a normal manner, as by worry, remorse, or the like; irrational; disturbed.

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distracted British  

/ dɪˈstræktɪd /

adjective

1. bewildered; confused

2. mad

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Other Word Forms

• distractedly adverb
• distractedness noun
• nondistracted adjective
• nondistractedly adverb
• undistracted adjective
• undistractedly adverb
• undistractedness noun

Etymology

Origin of distracted

First recorded in 1580–90; distract + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Chris Bailey is aware that we live in a distracted age, with shrinking attention spans and minds prone to wander.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’m celebrating the New Year, trying not to over stress about what people are saying and stay distracted.

From Los Angeles Times

During free periods, students would be distracted by their phones, instead of working or engaging with peers, Church said.

From Los Angeles Times

Tensions from the affair had distracted Nestlé’s upper management for much of Freixe’s 12 months in charge, according to people familiar with the matter, and tore a chunk out of its top ranks.

From The Wall Street Journal

At this point, there are few people out there who haven’t heard about the stakes in November, but that still doesn’t translate to folks — lazy, busy, distracted — weighing in.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disturbed
• panicked