distraction
/dɪˈstrakʃ(ə)n
/noun
1A thing that prevents someone from concentrating on something else: the firm found passenger travel a distraction from the main business of moving freight...
- He also knew that, if Ally didn't have a distraction, she would inadvertently be a distraction to him.
- This allows concentration on counseling without as strong a distraction from the paraphiliac urges.
- This concentration on the stand-alone card price as a distraction from scheme cost is dealt with in more detail here.
Synonyms
diversion, interruption, disturbance, intrusion, interference, obstruction, hindrance
1.1A diversion or recreation: there are plenty of distractions such as sailing [mass noun]: he roved the district in search of distraction...
- The little distractions and diversions that once seemed to add to the richness of the texture now feel like unfocused rambling.
- She sensed that a scream would be inappropriate, however, and she looked to the table as she searched for a distraction.
- There is no super model, superstar girlfriend by Rivaldo's side; no distractions but football.
Synonyms
amusement, entertainment, diversion, activity, pastime, recreation, interest, hobby, game, leisure pursuit, occupation, divertissement
2 [mass noun] Extreme agitation of the mind: her uncharacteristic air of distraction...
- The prevailing air of distraction was unfortunate, for Fox may have something important to say.
- Loathing and distraction stop the insanity and music clears the soul.
- You know, most people are living especially on the coasts, between distraction and frenzy.
Synonyms
frenzy, hysteria, mental distress, madness, insanity, wildness, mania, derangement, delirium;
bewilderment, befuddlement, perplexity, confusion, disturbance, agitation, perturbation, harassment
archaic crazedness
Phrases
to distraction
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin distractio(n-), from the verb distrahere (see distract).