Word Direct Answers

What does "distraction" mean?

Distraction: That which diverts attention; a diversion. "Domestic distractions." G. Eliot.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A diversity of direction; detachment. [Obs.] His power went out in such distractions as Beguiled all species. Shak.
  2. 3.State in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity. That ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 1 Cor. vii. 3 5. Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder; as, political distractions. Never was known a night of such distraction. Dryden.
  3. 4.Agitation from violent emotions; perturbation of mind; despair. The distraction of the children, who saw both their parents together, would have melted the hardest heart. Tatler.
  4. 5.Derangement of the mind; madness. Atterbury.

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