DISTRACTION

distraction. Distraction, n. madness, confusion, separation

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Dis‐trac″tion (?), n. [[L. distractio: cf. F. distraction.]] 1. 1. The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.
To create distractions among us. Bp. Burnet. 2. 2. That which diverts attention; a diversion. “Domestic distractions.” G. Eliot.
3. 3. A diversity of direction; detachment.
His power went out in such distractions as Beguiled all species. Shak. 4. 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. 35. 5. 5. Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder; as, political distractions.
Never was known a night of such distraction. Dryden. 6. 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. 7. Derangement of the mind; madness. Atterbury.
Syn. — Perplexity; confusion; disturbance; disorder; dissension; tumult; derangement; madness; raving; franticness; furiousness.