B2verbpsychology
US/dɪˈstrækt/
UK/dɪˈstrækt/
to take someone's attention away from what they are doing or should be thinking about
In context
Phone notifications distract students from their homework every few minutes.
I try to distract myself with music when I feel anxious.
Fans tried to distract the goalkeeper by waving flags behind the net.
Words that go with distract
verb + preposition
- distract fromLoud music can distract you from what the teacher is saying.
verb + noun
- distract attentionThe politician told jokes to distract attention from the scandal.
- distract yourselfTry to distract yourself with a walk when cravings start.
- distract the driverNever use a phone in a way that might distract the driver.
adverb + adjective
- easily distractedYoung children are easily distracted by bright colors.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am easy to distract.Correct: I get distracted easily.