distract (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈstrækt/

Definition

To pull someone's attention away from something.

Examples

• The constant phone notifications were distracting me from my work.

• Please don't distract the driver while they are operating the vehicle.

• The magician's sleight of hand was designed to distract the audience from the real trick.

How to Use distract

distract from (prepositional phrase)

To prevent someone from giving full attention to something. — "The urgent phone call distracted her from finishing the report on time."

distract someone (collocation)

To take someone's attention away. — "Try not to distract your little brother while he's playing."

Synonyms of distract

Words with a similar meaning to distract:

• divert
• interrupt
• detract
• derail

Antonyms of distract

Words with the opposite meaning to distract:

• focus
• concentrate

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