distraction

dis-trac-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.

  2. 2.

    The action of distracting or the state of being distracted.

  3. 3.

    Something that serves as an amusement or entertainment.

  4. 4.

    Extreme mental or emotional disturbance.

Forms

plural: distractions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Drive someone to distraction — To annoy or frustrate someone extremely.
  • •
    A welcome distraction — Something that pleasantly takes one's mind off problems.
  • •
    Without distraction — With full concentration.

Related words

Antonyms: attention, concentration, focus
See also: distract, distracted, diversion
Synonyms: amusement, disturbance, diversion, interruption

Etymology

From Latin distractio ("a pulling apart, separation"), from distrahere ("to draw apart"). Entered English in the 15th century.