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
Max Saltman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
What Wednesday evening’s triumph also does is quieten the distracting outside noise that such a newsworthy club invariably attracts.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023
At this small brick restaurant in Eastie, Mexican music plays over the speakers just loud enough to entertain but not distract, banners of papel picado line the ceiling, and wooden furniture is carved and painted to show scenes from the pueblito.
—Nicole Kagan, BostonGlobe.com, 27 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for distract
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Verb
While some critics are skeptical of the claims amid a lack of publicly available evidence – suggesting instead that they are meant to distract from growing public discontent and protests against Noboa’s government – the president insisted to CNN the threat was real.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
What Wednesday evening’s triumph also does is quieten the distracting outside noise that such a newsworthy club invariably attracts.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Self-promoters, like Conor McGregor, adopt pro-wrestling styles, while pests, like Patrick Beverley or Reggie Miller, try to agitate, anger or distract opponents.
—Greg Hanlon, Peoplemag, 21 Dec. 2023
At this small brick restaurant in Eastie, Mexican music plays over the speakers just loud enough to entertain but not distract, banners of papel picado line the ceiling, and wooden furniture is carved and painted to show scenes from the pueblito.
—Nicole Kagan, BostonGlobe.com, 27 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for distract
Cite this Entry
“Distract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distract. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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