distraction

Everyday

1. Something that takes your attention away from what you should be doing: «Phones are a distraction in class». tree →
2. Something fun that takes your mind off worries; an amusement. tree →
3. (formal) A state of great worry or confusion: «driven to distraction». tree →

In the lessons

At school: distractions such as noise, phones or chatting make learning hard; teachers remove distractions. Safety: distraction while crossing roads or driving causes accidents. In stories: a character may cause a distraction so another can escape. Phrases: «a welcome distraction», «drive someone to distraction», «cause a distraction», «without distraction».

Examples

• Phones are a big distraction during homework. tree →
• The dog barking was a distraction during the test. tree →
• While Tom caused a distraction, Mia grabbed the key. tree →
• Playing football was a welcome distraction from his worries. tree →
• The noise from the road drives Mum to distraction. tree →
• Never let anything be a distraction when you cross the road. tree →
• We need a quiet room without distractions. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: «distract»; adjective: «distracted» (not paying attention). Do not confuse with «destruction» (destroying) or «detraction».