DISTRACTION


Meaning of DISTRACTION in English

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

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.