distractions

IPA/dɪˈstræk.ʃən/
KK[dɪstrˈækʃənz]IPA/dɪˈstræk.ʃən/

distractions — noun

  • distractionssingular
  • distractionsesplural

1. the feeling of being extremely upset, bored, or annoyed because something preven

1.名詞B2
釋義

the feeling of being extremely upset, bored, or annoyed because something prevents you from concentrating or troubles your mind

例句

Lauren was driven to distraction by the constant noise from the construction site next door.

fixed phrase: 'drive to distraction' for extreme annoyance

Ignacio found the endless paperwork a source of pure distraction during tax season.

collocation: 'pure distraction' / 'source of distraction'

同義詞
  • agitation

    stronger emphasis on nervousness and worry rather than boredom or annoyance

  • distress

    broader — covers any kind of suffering, not only distraction-related upset

  • torment

    much stronger — implies prolonged mental or physical suffering

反義詞
  • calm

    the opposite emotional state of being settled and peaceful

  • composure

    specifically refers to keeping your thoughts and attention steady

文法句型

distraction + from + noun

to + possessive + distraction

drive + person + to distraction

用法筆記

Most commonly found in the fixed phrase 'drive someone to distraction' or the adverbial phrase 'to distraction' (e.g., 'they argued to distraction').

常見錯誤

❌The noise was a great distraction for me.' (when meaning extreme annoyance)
✅The noise drove me to distraction.
💡The fixed phrase 'drive to distraction' is the natural way to express irritation or upset caused by distraction.

2. a thing or an activity that stops you from focusing on what you are supposed to

2.名詞B1
釋義

a thing or an activity that stops you from focusing on what you are supposed to be doing

例句

The waiting room television was a constant distraction for Naoko as she tried to read.

collocation: 'constant distraction'

Ari silenced their phone, knowing that every notification would be a distraction during the exam.

同義詞
  • diversion

    slightly more formal; often suggests something deliberately chosen to redirect attention

  • interruption

    focuses on the act of breaking concentration, not just the thing causing it

  • disturbance

    implies noise or activity that bothers you, not just pulls your attention away

反義詞
  • focus

    the state of concentrated attention that distractions break

  • concentration

    the mental effort that distractions interrupt

文法句型

distraction + from + noun phrase

a + distraction

no + distractions

without + distraction

用法筆記

Countable when referring to specific things ('the TV was a distraction'); uncountable in a more general sense ('I need to work without distraction'). The preposition is always 'from'.

常見錯誤

❌The TV was a distraction of my studying.
✅The TV was a distraction from my studying.
💡'Distraction' takes the preposition 'from', not 'of', to indicate what is being interrupted.

3. an enjoyable activity that helps you stop worrying about your problems or daily

3.名詞B1
釋義

an enjoyable activity that helps you stop worrying about your problems or daily responsibilities

例句

After a long week at work, Nora turns to gardening as a relaxing distraction.

collocation: 'a relaxing distraction from'

Aylin considers crossword puzzles the perfect distraction for her daily train journey to work.

同義詞
  • entertainment

    broader — includes shows, events, performances; 'distraction' is more personal and private

  • pastime

    focuses on the habitual nature of the activity rather than its escapist function

  • recreation

    more formal; implies physical or mental renewal through activity

反義詞
  • work

    the main responsibility that distraction provides relief from

  • chore

    a boring or tiring task that distraction helps you forget

文法句型

distraction + from + noun phrase

a + adjective + distraction

4. the action of deliberately or accidentally making someone focus on something dif

4.名詞B2
釋義

the action of deliberately or accidentally making someone focus on something different instead of what they were doing

例句

Zola dropped her pen to create a brief distraction while her friend slipped out.

collocation: 'create a distraction'

The sudden flash of lightning provided a startling distraction during the teacher's chemistry lesson.

同義詞
  • diversion

    often interchangeable; 'diversion' can also mean a detour or a recreational activity

  • interference

    stronger and more negative — suggests uninvited obstruction, not just attention-drawing

反義詞
  • attention

    the focused state that distraction breaks

  • concentration

    the sustained mental effort that distraction disrupts

文法句型

create + a + distraction

as + a + distraction

serve + as + a + distraction

用法筆記

Frequently paired with verbs like 'create', 'provide', and 'serve as', framing distraction as a deliberate tactic or incidental event rather than a thing or an activity. Unlike sense 2 (THING DISTRACTING YOU), which labels the object causing inattention, this sense describes the act of redirecting someone's focus.