Dis‐trac″tion (?), n. [L. distractio: cf. F. distraction.] 1. The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.
To create distractions among us. Bp. Burnet.
2. That which diverts attention; a diversion. “Domestic distractions.” G. Eliot.
3. A diversity of direction; detachment.
His power went out in such distractions as
Beguiled all species. Shak.
4. State in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity.
That ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 1 Cor. vii. 35.
5. Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder; as, political distractions.
Never was known a night of such distraction. Dryden.
6. Agitation from violent emotions; perturbation of mind; despair.
The distraction of the children, who saw both their parents together, would have melted the hardest heart. Tatler.
7. Derangement of the mind; madness. Atterbury.
Syn. — Perplexity; confusion; disturbance; disorder; dissension; tumult; derangement; madness; raving; franticness; furiousness.