— distracter , n. — distractible , adj. — distractingly , adv.
/di strakt"/ , v.t.
1. to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention: The music distracted him from his work.
2. to disturb or trouble greatly in mind; beset: Grief distracted him.
3. to provide a pleasant diversion for; amuse; entertain: I'm bored with bridge, but golf still distracts me.
4. to separate or divide by dissension or strife.
adj.
5. Obs. distracted.
[ 1350-1400; ME distractus (ptp. of distrahere to draw apart), equiv. to dis- DIS- 1 + trac- (var. s. of trahere to draw) + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 2. bewilder, agitate, pain, torment, distress.