to take someone’s attention away from what they are doing, seeing, or thinking about
The loud music distracted Maria while she was trying to study.
Please don't distract the driver while the bus is moving.
✦ From Latin distrahere, meaning “to draw apart”.
something, such as a noise or an activity, that prevents you from concentrating on what you are doing
The sudden phone call was a big distraction during my work.
Video games can be a major distraction for students studying for exams.
✦ From late Middle English, borrowed from Latin distractiōnem (accusative singular of distractiō), from distrahō (“I draw apart, pull in different directions, distract”).
