'attracter' originates from Latin, specifically from the verb 'attrahere' (from ad- 'to' + trahere 'to draw'), via the English verb 'attract' plus the agentive suffix '-er'.

'attrahere' (Latin) gave rise to the Middle French/Latin-influenced forms, which entered English as 'attract' in Middle English; the agentive form 'attracter' (and the more common 'attractor') was formed later by adding the English suffix '-er' to the verb 'attract'.

Initially, the root 'attrahere' meant 'to draw toward' in Latin; over time the sense remained focused on drawing or pulling in, and in modern English 'attracter' denotes 'one or something that draws attention or interest'.