distracts
|dis/tracts|
B2
/dɪˈstrækts/
(distract)
preoccupied
Etymology
Etymology Information
'distract' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'distrahere,' where 'dis-' meant 'apart' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw.'
Historical Evolution
'distrahere' transformed into the Old French word 'distrahere,' and eventually became the modern English word 'distract' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to draw apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to divert attention.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to divert attention from something.
The noise from the construction site distracts me from my work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
third person singular form of 'distract'.
She distracts the children with a story.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/21 04:24