to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention

The music distracted him from his work.

to disturb or trouble greatly in mind; beset

Grief distracted him.

to provide a pleasant diversion for; amuse; entertain

I'm bored with bridge, but golf still distracts me.

to separate or divide by dissension or strife.

Obsolete . distracted.

verb

clarify , explain

verb

abstract , addle , agitate , amuse , befuddle , beguile , bewilder , call away , catch flies , confound , derange , detract , discompose , disconcert , disturb , divert , draw away , engross , entertain , fluster , frenzy , harass , lead astray , lead away , madden , mislead , mix up , occupy , perplex , puzzle , sidetrack , stall , throw off * , torment , trouble , turn aside , unbalance , unhinge * , bother , disquiet , flurry , perturb , rock , ruffle , shake , toss , unsettle , upset , confuse , deflect , unnerve