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

In reality, the combination proved to be a distraction, and much of the effort was waylaid as Tesla struggled with producing its first mainstream car.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although Musk has called lunar missions a “distraction” in the past, he’s softened his stance.

From MarketWatch

Both teams plowed through the distractions to put on a terrific second half that went back and forth.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's legal and it's what the regulations say. But if somebody wants to entertain themselves by distraction, then everybody's free to do this."

From BBC

In her resignation letter, Siddiq said she had "acted with full transparency" but would be stepping down to avoid becoming "a distraction" for the government.

From BBC

Related Words

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