distraction

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun mental turmoil
noun an obstacle to attention
noun an entertainment that provokes pleased interest and distracts you from worries and vexations

Borrowed from Middle French distraction, from Latin distractio. Equivalent to distract + -ion.

There was distraction in the thought. — The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete, Mark Twain
Miles turned away to avoid distraction. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
One sensation pervaded her to distraction. — A pair of blue eyes, Thomas Hardy

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