də̇ˈstrakshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English distraccioun, from Latin distraction-, distractio, from distractus (past participle of distrahere to distract) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at distract
1. : the act of distracting or the state of being distracted:
a. : diversion of the attention
where he felt he could live more cheaply and with fewer distractions from his scholarly labors — Kemp Malone
b. : disorder , dissension
a unified organization bothered by only minor distractions that were easily resolved
c. : mental derangement : madness
drove her adoring audiences to distraction and tears — Roma Lipsky
goaded to distraction
d. : agitation from violent usually conflicting emotions : perturbation
an inward distraction drove her to pacing the room like a mad woman
also : perplexity , confusion
faced the problem with distraction showing in his uncertain words and troubled countenance
e. : amusement , entertainment , recreation
the need for relaxation and distraction was not forgotten — Report: (Canadian) Royal Commission on National Development
obsessed by the pursuit of pleasure, driven by the insatiable craving for distraction — A.J.Cronin
2. : something that distracts especially by diverting or amusing
offering all kinds of distractions to the bored vacationer