v.tr. 1 (often foll. by from) draw away the attention of (a person, the mind, etc.). 2 bewilder, perplex. 3 (as distracted adj.) mad or angry (distracted by grief; distracted with worry). 4 amuse, esp. in order to take the attention from pain or worry. distractedly adv.
[ ME f. L distrahere distract- (as DIS-, trahere draw) ]