Distraction

01 n. The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.

1.
The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.
“To create distractions among us.” — Bp. Burnet.
2.
That which diverts attention; a diversion.
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. 35.
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.