English Lexicon

Distraction

/dɪˈstræk.ʃən/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The act of diverting attention from something.

    "The loud music was a major distraction during the exam."
  2. 2

    Something that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.

    "Her phone was a constant distraction while she was studying."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin distractio, meaning 'a pulling apart', formed from dis- ('away') and trahere ('to draw'). Entering Middle English via Old French in the 16th century, it originally denoted a mental division or perplexity before evolving to mean anything that diverts attention.

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