distraction

[dih-strak-shuhn]

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.

distraction

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of distraction¹

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

Example Sentences

And because most people don't have unlimited money to spend on food, high-protein products could be an unhelpful distraction.

From BBC

Amorim assured fans the situation would improve because he had more time to work with his players without the midweek distraction of European football.

From BBC

But these are distractions, pulling our attention away from the season’s secret mission to test our powers of observation, another aspect of practicing empathy.

From Salon

The Tory leader also dismissed calls for a second independence referendum as a "distraction".

From BBC

“Placing emphasis on this individual, this partner, that we don’t have concrete evidence about, is a distraction,” Lenning said.

From Salon

Related Words

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