dis·tract
di-ˈstrakt 
distracted; distracting; distracts
1
a
: to draw or direct (something, such as someone's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
was distracted by a sudden noise
b
: to turn aside : divert
refused to be distracted from her purpose
2
: to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives
dis·tract
di-ˈstrakt
ˈdis-ˌtrakt
Examples of distract in a Sentence
Verb
You sneak into his room while I distract him.
He was distracted from his studies.
The students are easily distracted, especially when they're tired.
I was distracted by a loud noise.
The local story distracted attention from news of the war overseas.
Recent Examples on the Web
USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Students are more often distracted, overly tired and anxious, and forgo opportunities for in-person connections.
—Nancy Magee, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distract 
Verb
Police have been distracted by on-board computers, hit each other, wrecked rushing to a scene or have driven into trees and buildings.
—USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Students are more often distracted, overly tired and anxious, and forgo opportunities for in-person connections.
—Nancy Magee, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distract
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distract. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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