distracted

[ dih-strak-tid ]
/ dɪˈstræk tɪd /

adjective

having the attention diverted: She tossed several rocks to the far left and slipped past the distracted sentry.
rendered incapable of behaving, reacting, etc., in a normal manner, as by worry, remorse, or the like; irrational; disturbed.

Origin of distracted

First recorded in 1580–90; distract + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM distracted

Definition for distracted (2 of 2)

distract
[ dih-strakt ]
/ dɪˈstrækt /

verb (used with object)

to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention: The music distracted him from his work.
to disturb or trouble greatly in mind; beset: Grief distracted him.
to provide a pleasant diversion for; amuse; entertain: I'm bored with bridge, but golf still distracts me.
to separate or divide by dissension or strife.

adjective

Obsolete. distracted.

Origin of distract

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin distractus (past participle of distrahere to draw apart), equivalent to dis- dis-1 + trac- (variant stem of trahere to draw) + -tus past participle suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM distract

Example sentences from the Web for distracted

British Dictionary definitions for distracted (1 of 2)

distracted
/ (dɪˈstræktɪd) /

adjective

bewildered; confused
mad

Derived forms of distracted

distractedly, adverb distractedness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for distracted (2 of 2)

distract
/ (dɪˈstrækt) /

verb (tr)

(often passive) to draw the attention of (a person) away from something
to divide or confuse the attention of (a person)
to amuse or entertain
to trouble greatly
to make mad

Derived forms of distract

Word Origin for distract

C14: from Latin distractus perplexed, from distrahere to pull in different directions, from dis- 1 + trahere to drag