distraction

American  

[dih-strak-shuhn] / dɪˈstræk ʃən /

noun

• distractions
  plural

1. 

   the act of distracting.

2. the state of being 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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• distractions
  plural

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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

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Explanation

A distraction is something that takes your attention away from what you're supposed to be doing. If you just can't keep from checking your email every ten seconds, that's a distraction that's going to interfere with doing your homework. A distraction can also be a pleasant break. If you're worried about your dance recital tomorrow, watching a mindless action flick may be a welcome distraction that helps you relax. Has anyone ever told you, "You're driving me to distraction"? When you're driven to distraction, you're so agitated you feel like you're going crazy. Distraction comes from the Latin dis-, "apart," and trahere, "drag." So distraction is when you're dragged away from your task or from your worries.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

distraction distractions

As the reporters ran out of steam, Cummins said it was "annoying" that sandpapergate scandal was still a distraction for Australian cricket.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2026

"The system tells survivors that execution matters to our healing. It doesn't. It's a distraction from what we actually need."

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026

It agreed to settle the matter “to avoid the distraction and expense of prolonged litigation,” the defense contractor said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026

At its core, all the talk about whether AI systems are, or could become, conscious is a distraction from the real dangers the technology and its features present to the world around us today.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

During the school year, David went away to college out of state, which conveniently kept him from being any sort of distraction from my studies.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Once the listening room doors open, all drinks, distractions and shoes must be left at the door.

From Salon ● Oct. 24, 2026

People who achieve their goals avoid the distractions and temptations that get in the way.

From Slate ● Oct. 17, 2026

But mindfulness can become tougher as you age, when you’re beset by physical and mental distractions.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

A mobile phone ban was introduced at the school two years ago to reduce distractions - an approach which is commended by the new report.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

“Your old friend Mr. Flux. I’ve had some unexpected distractions, but I’ve been looking forward to this visit for a long time.”

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles

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Related Words

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

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