distraction

/dɪˈstrækʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈstrækʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈstrak-shən/ (ame, mw)

distraction — noun

  • distractionsingular
  • distractionsplural

1. a state of being so bored or irritated by something that you can no longer stay

1.名詞B2
釋義

a state of being so bored or irritated by something that you can no longer stay calm or think clearly — most often used in the phrase 'to distraction' after verbs like drive, send, or bore

例句

The baby's non-stop crying drove Zola to distraction during the long flight.

collocation 'drive + someone + to distraction'

Tara's constant humming in the office was enough to drive her colleagues to distraction.

同義詞
  • annoyance

    milder in intensity; does not imply the same breaking point

  • irritation

    focuses on the feeling rather than the state of being unable to think

  • frustration

    overlaps but broader — can apply to obstacles, not just boredom or annoyance

反義詞
  • composure

    the calm, collected state that distraction destroys

文法句型

drive/send/bore + someone + to distraction

用法筆記

Frequently used in the fixed phrase 'to distraction' after verbs like drive, send, or bore. In this pattern, the irritating thing is the grammatical subject, not the person: 'The noise drove me to distraction' — NOT 'I drove to distraction because of the noise.'

常見錯誤

❌I drove to distraction because of the traffic.
✅The traffic drove me to distraction.
💡The cause of frustration must be the subject of the sentence, not the person affected.

2. anything that pulls your focus toward itself and away from the task or activity

2.名詞B1
釋義

anything that pulls your focus toward itself and away from the task or activity you should be concentrating on

例句

Andrew put his phone in a drawer so it would not be a distraction while studying.

countable: 'a distraction' + purpose clause with 'while'

The loud construction noise outside was a major distraction for everyone taking the exam.

同義詞
  • interruption

    implies a break in an ongoing activity, often unwanted

  • diversion

    slightly more neutral or even positive; can be chosen deliberately

  • disturbance

    stronger negative connotation; often involves noise or commotion

反義詞
  • focus

    the state of giving full attention to one thing

  • concentration

    the mental effort of staying on task

文法句型

something + be + a distraction + for/to + someone

something + be + a distraction + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Countable when referring to a specific thing ('the TV was a distraction'); uncountable when describing the general concept ('working without distraction'). Often followed by 'from' to indicate what is being ignored.

常見錯誤

❌The music is a distraction for me to concentrate.
✅The music is a distraction that makes it hard to concentrate.
💡'distraction' names the cause of lost focus, not the barrier itself; pair it with a result clause.

3. an enjoyable activity that gives you a mental break from your usual work, worrie

3.名詞B2
釋義

an enjoyable activity that gives you a mental break from your usual work, worries, or daily routine

例句

For Ingrid, gardening was a welcome distraction after a long week at the office.

collocation: 'welcome distraction'

Reading a good novel is one of the simplest and most affordable distractions.

同義詞
  • pastime

    neutral term for a regular hobby; lacks the sense of temporary escape

  • recreation

    more formal; often implies physical or outdoor activity

  • entertainment

    broader; can be passive (watching a show) as well as active

反義詞
  • work

    the activity that distraction provides a break from

  • drudgery

    tedious, monotonous work that one seeks distraction from

文法句型

something + be + a distraction + from + worries/problems/stress

用法筆記

Unlike sense 2 (which describes an unwanted interruption), this sense refers to a chosen, positive activity. The word 'distraction' here is nearly synonymous with 'pastime' or 'recreation.' Common collocations include 'welcome distraction,' 'pleasant distraction,' and 'a distraction from [worries or stress].'

常見錯誤

❌I need a distraction of my work.
✅I need a distraction from my work.
💡The preposition 'from' indicates what you are taking a break from, not 'of.'

4. a state of severe emotional upset, agitation, or confusion that makes it impossi

4.名詞C1
釋義

a state of severe emotional upset, agitation, or confusion that makes it impossible to think clearly or act calmly

例句

The news of the accident threw the Watanabe family into a state of distraction.

collocation: 'throw into a state of distraction'

Salma paced up and down in distraction, unable to decide what to do next.

同義詞
  • turmoil

    focuses on inner chaos without the specific connotation of lost attention

  • agitation

    emphasizes physical restlessness more than mental confusion

  • confusion

    broader; can apply to simple misunderstanding, not just emotional upset

反義詞
  • clarity

    the state of having a clear, calm mind

  • calm

    emotional peace and composure

文法句型

throw/cast + someone + into distraction

in a state of distraction

in distraction

用法筆記

Uncountable and primarily formal or literary — this sense is rare in everyday spoken English. It describes a deep emotional disarray caused by grief, shock, anger, or excitement. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is about irritation or boredom reaching a breaking point, while sense 4 is about emotional agitation or grief that overwhelms clear thought.

常見錯誤

❌I was in distraction that my keys were lost.
✅I was in a state of distraction because I had lost my keys.
💡'in distraction' is a state, not followed directly by a that-clause; use 'in a state of distraction' + a separate reason clause.