distract
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈstrækt/
KK: /dɪˈstrækt/
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to stop paying attention to something or to change their focus to something else.
Example
The loud music can easily distract students from their studies.
Tense Forms
Past: distracted
Past Participle: distracted
Conversation
I found it hard to concentrate on my studies today.
Yeah, there are so many things that can distract you.
Exactly! My phone keeps buzzing with notifications.
I know what you mean; it's tough to stay focused sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
divert
distract
unsettle
Antonyms
focus
concentrate
engage
Root Explanation
Distract → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "tract" (from Latin "tractus", meaning to pull or draw). The word "distract" means to pull attention away or draw it apart from something.
Memory Tip
Think of attention being 'pulled apart' ('dis-') from its focus ('tract'). This helps you remember that to distract means to divert attention.
Visually Confused Words
stract
undistracted
disrate
detract