distraction

American  

[dih-strak-shuhn] / dɪˈstræk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of distracting.

2. the state of being distracted. distracted.

3. mental distress or derangement.

   That child will drive me to distraction.

   Synonyms:

   craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness

4. that which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration.

   The distractions of the city interfere with my studies.

5. that which amuses, entertains, or diverts; amusement; entertainment.

   Fishing is his major distraction.

6. division or disorder caused by dissension; tumult.

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distraction British  

/ dɪˈstrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of distracting or the state of being distracted

2. something that serves as a diversion or entertainment

3. an interruption; an obstacle to concentration

4. mental turmoil or madness

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Etymology

Origin of distraction

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin distractiōn-, stem of distractiō “separation”; equivalent to distract + -ion

Example Sentences

"If you've won the Masters, especially for Rory, it really is a dream come true. So you're happy to go back there and I don't think the additional commitments are ever a distraction," said Brown.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

I like engaging with it, it’s kind of a nice distraction from the set that you’ve been doing 100 times, 150 times at that point.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“It’s a great distraction from the high cost of meals,” Spiegel said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Driven to distraction by his outrageous statements, they lose the capacity to focus on their own interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Monte Carlo had begun to bore her, and this little illness would make a distraction.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• aberration
• complication
• confusion
• disturbance
• diversion
• interference
• interruption