distract
verb (used with object)
to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention.
had distracted
-
past perfectof distract.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tensions from the affair had distracted Nestlé’s upper management for much of Freixe’s 12 months in charge, according to people familiar with the matter, and tore a chunk out of its top ranks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said culture battles had distracted from post-pandemic recovery efforts on literacy and mental health.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2023
If the debacle had distracted him, it didn’t show; he focused on what mattered, the reason he was there.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2022
During the Second Party System, the debate over economic development had distracted Americans from slavery by offering a clear choice between rival visions of the public good.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 18, 2018
As Harry trembled, ready to close his eyes if it turned, he saw what had distracted the snake.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
