Distract: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'distract' when someone's attention is taken away from what they are doing, usually temporarily and often in a more general sense.

• The loud noise distracted him from his work.
• She was easily distracted by her phone.

Use 'divert' when something or someone changes direction, often used in the context of redirection or reallocation of resources or attention.

• The government plans to divert funds to healthcare.
• The tour guide diverted the group to avoid the crowded street.

Use 'draw away' when describing someone or something pulling attention or interest away, often gently or gradually.

• His charisma drew away the crowd's attention from the speaker.
• The beautiful scenery drew her away from her worries.

Use 'disrupt' when something causes a disturbance or interruption, often implying a significant impact or negative effect.

• The power outage disrupted the entire network.
• Their conversation was disrupted by a sudden loud bang.

This word is suitable when you want to talk about directing someone's attention away from what they were focusing on. It often involves a temporary shift in focus and can be either intentional or unintentional.

• The loud noise distracted her from her studies.
• He tries to distract himself by playing video games.

This word is best used when talking about changing the direction or course of something. It can refer to both physical diversion (like traffic) or metaphorical (like attention).

• The company decided to divert funds to more urgent projects.
• They had to divert the river to prevent flooding.

This word is used when something reduces the value, importance, or quality of something else. It has a negative connotation and implies a form of diminishment.

• Constant interruptions can detract from the overall effectiveness of the meeting.
• His rude behavior detracts from his otherwise charming personality.

This word is appropriate to describe the action of forcing something out of its position. It often involves physical movement and can apply to both literal and figurative contexts.

• The dentist had to dislodge the piece of food stuck between his teeth.
• They worked hard to dislodge the old regime.

Used similarly to the previous one, but be careful as it's a repetition. It may have been a typo.

• She found it hard to concentrate because the television was constantly distracting her

Used when referring to an event or noise that interrupts normal activity or calmness. Often implies a negative impact.

• The loud party next door was a disturbance to the neighborhood
• Any disturbance during an important meeting can be problematic

Used to describe an act that stops the progress of an activity or conversation.

• The fire alarm caused an interruption to the meeting
• He apologized for the interruption and continued his presentation

Used when referring to something that causes delay or difficulty in achieving something. Typically has a negative connotation.

• The heavy traffic was a significant hindrance to their travel plans
• Poor internet connection is a hindrance to remote work