attract
[ uh-trakt ]
/ əˈtrækt /
verb (used with object)
to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to repel): The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.
to draw by appealing to the emotions or senses, by stimulating interest, or by exciting admiration; allure; invite: to attract attention; to attract admirers by one's charm.
verb (used without object)
to possess or exert the power of attraction.
Origin of attract
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin
attractus drawn to (past participle of
attrahere), equivalent to
at-
at- +
trac- (variant stem of
trahere to draw) +
-tus past participle suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM attract
Words nearby attract
Example sentences from the Web for attract
British Dictionary definitions for attract
attract
/ (əˈtrækt) /
verb (mainly tr)
to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention)
(also intr)
to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation
the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it
to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself
jam attracts wasps
(also intr)
to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
Derived forms of attract
attractable, adjective attractor or attracter, nounWord Origin for attract
C15: from Latin
attrahere to draw towards, from
trahere to pull