Definition for

distraction


noun – In surgery, the act of pulling upon the segments of a limb so as to cause a separation of the opposing joint-surfaces.

noun – The act of drawing or the state of being drawn apart; separation.

noun – A drawing away of the mind from one point or course to another or others; diversion of thought or feeling into a different channel or toward different objects.

noun – A drawing of the mind in different directions; mental confusion arising from diverse or opposing considerations; perplexity; bewilderment: as, the distraction caused by a multitude of questions or of cares.

noun – Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder: as, political distractions.

noun – Violent mental excitement, or extreme agony of mind, simulating madness in its tendencies or outward exhibition; despairing perturbation: as, this toothache drives me to distraction.

noun – A state of disordered reason; frenzy; insanity; madness.

20 more defintions on Wordnik

More definitions and example sentences on Wordnik