distract
verb (used with object)
to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention.
have distracted
-
present perfectof distract.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Maher said the two high-profile controversies have distracted the conversation around the death penalty away from the fundamental question of whether the US should use capital punishment in the first place.
From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026
Some investors said the crop of record corporate earnings have distracted the markets from volatile oil prices and their effect on supply chains.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
Critics say those moves have distracted from the core mission of the department: fighting fires.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 18, 2025
Which is doubly unfortunate, as a good performance might have distracted us from the writing.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024
Over eighteen hours had passed since our last conversation, and there was little chance that the Sunday papers would have distracted him upon his return to the Green Door.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
