distracted
UK: dɪˈstræktɪd | US: dɪˈstræktɪd
adj. unable to concentrate due to external or internal stimuli
adj. mentally agitated or confused
vt. (past tense of "distract") diverted attention away from something
The word "distracted" originates from Latin distractus, the past participle of distrahere ("to pull apart"). The morpheme dis- (apart) combines with tract (from trahere, "to pull"), reflecting the idea of having one's attention "pulled away" from focus. The suffix -ed marks it as a past participle, often used adjectivally to describe a state of divided attention. Over time, the meaning expanded to include mental agitation or confusion, metaphorically extending the "pulling apart" concept to cognitive states.
She was too distracted by the noise to finish her homework.
His distracted gaze suggested he wasn’t listening.
The phone notification distracted him from his work.
A distracted driver caused the accident.
Her distracted mind kept wandering during the meeting.