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

Simons told the BBC that he nevertheless decided to resign because the story was a "distraction" for the government.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Smell, he says, is tricky, as the aroma may linger and become a distraction.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

The suspension of the initiative isn't entirely surprising: some had criticized it as financially wasteful or a distraction from other lunar ambitions.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

In her distraction, Juanita had obviously given him too much rein.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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