Distraction: meaning, definitions and examples

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distraction

 

[ dɪˈstrækʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mental

Distraction refers to something that takes your attention away from what you should be doing.

Synonyms

disturbance, diversion, interruption

Examples of usage

  • The noise outside was a constant distraction while I was trying to work.
  • Her phone constantly buzzed with notifications, causing distraction during the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

physical

Distraction can also refer to a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.

Synonyms

disruption, hindrance, obstruction

Examples of usage

  • The bright colors of the painting created a distraction in the room.
  • The loud music became a distraction during the lecture.
Context #3 | Noun

psychological

In psychology, distraction is a mental state in which a person is unable to concentrate on a task due to internal or external factors.

Synonyms

confusion, dissociation, preoccupation

Examples of usage

  • Her anxiety served as a distraction, making it hard for her to focus on her studies.
  • The constant thoughts about the upcoming exam created a distraction in his mind.

Translations

Translations of the word "distraction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distração

🇮🇳 ध्यान हटाना

🇩🇪 Ablenkung

🇮🇩 gangguan

🇺🇦 відволікання

🇵🇱 rozproszenie

🇯🇵 気晴らし

🇫🇷 distraction

🇪🇸 distracción

🇹🇷 dikkat dağıtma

🇰🇷 산만

🇸🇦 تشتيت

🇨🇿 rozptýlení

🇸🇰 rozptýlenie

🇨🇳 分心

🇸🇮 motenje

🇮🇸 truflun

🇰🇿 алаңдау

🇬🇪 ყურადღების გადატანა

🇦🇿 diqqəti yayındırma

🇲🇽 distracción

Etymology

The word 'distraction' originated from the Latin word 'distractionem', which means 'a pulling apart'. The concept of distraction has been present throughout history, with philosophers and psychologists exploring its impact on human behavior and cognition. In the modern world, distractions have become increasingly prevalent due to the rise of technology and information overload, leading to challenges in maintaining focus and attention.

See also: distract, distracted, distractedness, distractibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,147, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.