distracted

/dɪˈstɹæk.tɪd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

having one's attention diverted; preoccupied; distrait (literary)

Adjective

Examples

Plenty of accidents happened with a look-out present but momentarily distracted.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

distraught

Adjective

Examples

Runs about the house like a distracted person crying and making a most hideous noise.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “distracted” mean?

having one's attention diverted; preoccupied; distrait (literary)

Is “distracted” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.