'distractor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distrahere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw.'

'distrahere' transformed into the French word 'distracter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distractor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw apart or away,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'something that diverts attention.'