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

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

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

"Authentic creative expression is so much more than a pleasant distraction," continued Dr. Khalil.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 3, 2026

“I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family,” Leonard said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

“I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family,” Leonard’s statement read.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

A huge squad has no European football to offer a distraction, which is why Chelsea and Alonso could well believe they have the quality to also run close – although they remain outsiders.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

Danny remembered the squirrel that had caused the distraction to help him get out of that bus.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

One in 5 reported that they couldn’t work well because of distractions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

Experts cite speeding and cellphone distractions as two of the biggest problems.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

Finally, some downtime, with no distractions, to tackle “Infinite Jest.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

To put it mildly, Prince William is unlikely to welcome Harry and Meghan's move back to the UK and the distractions and sense of a rival team it will create.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

We could chalk it up to any number of distractions.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

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