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. [Obs.]
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. 3.
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.
© Webster 1913. | 
