distraire

to distract, entertain

verb dees-TRER Less Common

Origin: Latin 'distrahere' (to pull apart)

Also means

to divert, misappropriate (formal)

Usage Note

distraire is an irregular verb conjugated like traire. The reflexive se distraire means to amuse oneself or take one's mind off things. The related adjective distrait (absent-minded) describes someone whose attention wanders easily. Distraction (f) covers both entertainment and inattentiveness.

Examples

"La musique l'aide à se distraire."

Natural Translation

Music helps him take his mind off things.

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