distraction
UK: dɪˈstrækʃən | US: dɪˈstrækʃən
n. something that diverts attention from a focus or task
n. a state of mental confusion or agitation
n. amusement or entertainment designed to temporarily relieve stress
The word "distraction" originates from Latin distractio, derived from dis- (apart) + trahere (to pull). The morpheme "tract" (as in "tractor" or "extract") retains its core meaning of pulling or drawing. Over time, "distraction" evolved from the literal sense of "pulling apart" to metaphorically describe mental diversion or fragmentation of focus. The suffix "-ion" standardizes it as a noun denoting an action or state.
The loud noise outside was a major distraction during the exam.
She struggled with distraction while working in a busy café.
Reading fiction serves as a pleasant distraction from daily stress.
His phone notifications caused constant distraction during the meeting.
The magician’s flourish was a clever distraction to hide the trick.