noun
distraction
A state of extreme agitation or distress.
The constant dripping drives him to distraction.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to pull apart. Extreme mental distress is pictured as the mind being pulled in conflicting directions until calm, ordered attention breaks down.
More examples
- She worried herself to distraction over the missing letter.
- The uncertainty kept them in a state of distraction.
- His distraction grew as the deadline approached.
Forms
distraction · distractions