Dictionary
distraction
noun dis·trac·tion \di-ˈstrak-shən\
: something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention
: something that amuses or entertains you so that you do not think about problems, work, etc.
: a state in which you are very annoyed or upset
Full Definition of DISTRACTION
1
: the act of distracting or the state of being distracted; especially : mental confusion <driven to distraction>
2
— dis·trac·tive \-ˈstrak-tiv\ adjective
See distraction defined for English-language learners
See distraction defined for kids
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First Known Use of DISTRACTION
15th century
Related to DISTRACTION
- Synonyms
- bafflement, bamboozlement, befuddlement, bemusement, bewilderedness, bewilderment, confusedness, discombobulation, confusion, fog, head-scratching, maze [chiefly dialect], muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, tangle, whirl
Rhymes with DISTRACTION
abstraction, attraction, bolt-action, class action, compaction, contraction, cross action, detraction, diffraction, exaction, extraction, impaction, inaction, infraction, job action, live-action, olfaction, protraction, reaction, redaction, refraction, retraction, stop-action, subtraction, transaction
DISTRACTION Defined for Kids
distraction
noun dis·trac·tion \di-ˈstrak-shən\
Definition of DISTRACTION for Kids
1
: something that makes it hard to pay attention <One robber created a distraction and the other grabbed the money.>
2
: the act of having thoughts or attention drawn away : the state of drawing thoughts or attention away <… he needed to clear his head, to flush away all distraction … — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee>
3
: confusion of thoughts or feelings <Their endless chatter drove me to distraction.>
4
: something that amuses or entertains <The game was a good distraction during the long car ride.>
Medical Dictionary
distraction
noun dis·trac·tion \dis-ˈtrak-shən\
Medical Definition of DISTRACTION
1
a : diversion of the attention b : mental derangement
2
: excessive separation (as from improper traction) of fracture fragments
—dis·tract \dis-ˈtrakt\ transitive verb
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