distract

/dɪstɹˈækt/

/dɪˈstɹækt/

to distract

MAIN VERB

to cause someone to lose their focus or attention from something they were doing or thinking about

synonyms : deflect

disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed

synonyms : cark

Examples

1. In my political work I try to concentrate on the big picture and not be distracted by details.

2. While I was looking for a way to distract myself, I decided to bake a batch of pearl millet and cranberry muffins.

3. His habit of checking his phone constantly can be distracting.

4. It was the oldest trick in the book - one man distracted me while another stole my wallet.