distraction

noun

dis·​trac·​tion di-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce distraction (audio)
Synonyms of distraction
1
: something that distracts : an object that directs one's attention away from something else
turned off her phone to limit distractions
One created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.
especially : amusement
a harmless distraction
a book of word puzzles and other distractions
2
: the act of distracting or the state of being distracted
especially : mental confusion
driven to distraction by their endless chatter
distractive
di-ˈstrak-tiv How to pronounce distraction (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of distraction

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Examples of distraction in a Sentence

It was hard to work with so many distractions. One of them created a distraction while the other grabbed the money. A weekend at the beach was a good distraction from her troubles. Their endless chatter drove her to distraction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Bernard’s move is a gambit, meant to create a distraction while the Mechanical guerrillas set off dynamite charges in the mines, for reasons as yet unrevealed. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Before the other professional league, the NFL, becomes a distraction, consider three propositions. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Practical advice includes prioritizing sleep, protecting deep work blocks from distractions, and intentional physical activity, stressing that foundational habits are crucial for maintaining cognitive function. — Eman Bare, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 But many parents and educators see screens as an expensive distraction providing little additional benefit over analog learning with pencils and paper. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distraction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English distraccioun "state of being distracted, diversion of mind," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French distraccion "inattentiveness," borrowed from Late Latin distractiōn-, distractiō "diversion of mind," going back to Latin, "action of tearing apart," from distrac-, variant stem of distrahere "to pull apart, break up, separate, draw (a person's mind) in contrary directions" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at distract entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of distraction was in the 15th century

Rhymes for distraction

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Browse Nearby Words

distractingly
distraction
distractive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraction. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

distraction

noun
dis·​trac·​tion dis-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce distraction (audio)
1
: the act of distracting : the state of being distracted
especially : mental confusion
2
a
: something that makes it hard to pay attention
b
: amusement sense 1
distractive
-ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce distraction (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

distraction

noun
dis·​trac·​tion dis-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce distraction (audio)
1
a
: diversion of the attention
b
: mental confusion
2
: excessive separation (as from improper traction) of fracture fragments
distract
dis-ˈtrakt How to pronounce distraction (audio)
transitive verb
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