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

She trains them to stand stock-still when a judge inspects them nose to tail, or trot in a circle without getting distracted by the crowd.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We know that unlike human drivers, automated vehicles don't get tired, don't get distracted and don't drive under the influence," she said.

From BBC

The investigation revealed the controller, distracted by a third plane circling the airport, delayed clearing the SkyWest flight for takeoff and failed to monitor the runway and airspace adequately.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m distracted, so I take lots of breaks to open the curtains and look out the window.

From Literature

"You wouldn't be getting distracted as much if your friends were sitting beside you trying to show you something."

From BBC

Related Words

• disturbed
• panicked