Distraction Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฏ
distraction
[dษชหstrรฆkสษn ]
Definitions
mental
Distraction refers to something that takes your attention away from what you should be doing.
Synonyms
disturbance, diversion, interruption.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distraction |
When someone or something draws your attention away from what you are doing or should be focusing on.
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| diversion |
When you intentionally cause someone's attention to move away from what they are doing, often for a deliberate purpose. Can be positive or neutral.
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| interruption |
When there is a pause or break in an activity or process, often caused by an external source. It can sometimes be considered impolite or unplanned.
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| disturbance |
When there is an interruption or disruption that causes confusion or disorder. This often has a negative connotation.
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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.
physical
Distraction can also refer to a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.
Synonyms
disruption, hindrance, obstruction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distraction |
Used when referring to something that diverts attention away from what one is doing. Commonly appears in personal and professional scenarios.
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| disruption |
Applies to interruptions that cause a process to stop or be delayed. Often used in organizational, technological, or social contexts.
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| obstruction |
Used to describe something that blocks or impedes passage or progress. Often has a slightly stronger or formal tone.
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| hindrance |
Refers to something that slows progress or makes a task more difficult. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The bright colors of the painting created a distraction in the room.
- The loud music became a distraction during the lecture.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| distraction |
A situation where someone is unable to focus due to something diverting their attention.
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| confusion |
A state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind about something.
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| preoccupation |
A state where someone is so absorbed in their thoughts that they are unaware of their surroundings.
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| dissociation |
A mental state where one feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, often related to trauma or psychological conditions. This term can carry a negative connotation.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that distractions can reduce productivity by up to 40%, as it takes time to refocus on tasks.
- Cognitive distractions can arise from internal sources (like worrying) and external sources (like noise or messages).
Technology
- With the rise of smartphones and social media, the modern world is filled with potential distractions, affecting attention spans.
- Apps designed for focus are gaining popularity, illustrating a cultural shift to combat distractions in daily life.
Education
- In learning environments, distractions can significantly interfere with student performance, prompting educators to create focused spaces.
- Studies indicate that students using multiple devices while studying tend to retain less information.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray characters struggling with distractions, illustrating the universal battle against them.
- In music, numerous songs discuss themes of distraction, portraying feelings of being overwhelmed by life's chaos.
Origin of 'distraction'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Latin root 'distrahere,' meaning 'to pull apart.'
- The term has been used since the late 14th century, originally relating to the state of being pulled away from focus.
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.