distraction

[dɪsˈtɹækʃən]

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A distraction is an event or situation that takes your attention away from what you're doing.

You might hear people say "This meeting is a big distraction for me" - and they mean it's getting in the way of their work. Or, someone might be watching TV instead of paying attention to their kids, so the kids are being a distraction. This can happen when you're trying to focus on something, but your phone keeps buzzing or there's noise outside - that's a distraction too! Distractions can come from people, things, or even your own mind, and they all have one thing in common: they make it hard for us to concentrate.

How common is "distraction"?

Word distraction is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

Something that distracts.
Example: Poking one's eye is a good distraction from a hurting toe.
The process of being distracted.
Example: We have to reduce distraction in class if we want students to achieve good results.
Perturbation; disorder; disturbance; confusion.
Mental disorder; a deranged state of mind; insanity.
Example: The incessant nightmares drove him to distraction.
Traction so exerted as to separate surfaces normally opposed.

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Real examples of "distraction" in context

Are Hands-Free Calls Really Safer While Driving? | Mythbusters | Discovery

Entertainment

With so many distractions, it's no surprise when Jamie takes a turn for the worse.

4:07

Now, that's going to give us hard data as to the level of distraction that I'm experiencing while I'm driving.

2:59

Tom Cruise on Doing Incredibly Dangerous Stunts, Mission Impossible & Top Gun with Val Kilmer

Interview

And to be honest, I use you as a distraction to get to my car.

5:01