distraction
dih-STRACK-shun
/dɪˈstræk.ʃən/
A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else, or the state of being diverted.
Can refer both to external stimuli (e.g., loud noises) and internal mental diversions (e.g., worries).
The story behind the word. Distraction comes from Latin 'distrahere', combining 'dis-' (apart) and 'trahere' (to draw or pull). Literally, a distraction pulls your mind apart in different directions. In medieval English, the word even meant mental frenzy or madness.
Word relationships
- diversion: Diversion often implies an enjoyable side-activity, whereas distraction usually hinders primary focus.
- concentration: Concentration is the active centering of attention.
Commonly confused with
- destruction: Destruction means physical ruining; distraction means pulling attention away.
Word family
- distract (verb): To pull attention away.
- distracted (adjective): Unable to concentrate.
Collocations
- major distraction
- avoid distraction
- welcome distraction
- source of distraction
Idioms & expressions
- drive someone to distraction
Example sentences
- "Open-plan offices frequently subject workers to constant visual and acoustic distraction." Workplace Studies
Memory hook
DIS-tract pulls your TRACTION away from your path. Pulled apart in opposite ways.
When not to use
Do not use to describe total cognitive amnesia or brain damage.
Fun facts
- In the 16th century, 'to be distracted' literally meant to be driven insane by conflicting emotions.
Related words
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