Dis*trac"tion (?), n. [L.
distractio: cf. F. distraction.] 1.
The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.
To create distractions among us.
Bp. Burnet.
2. That which diverts attention; a
diversion. "Domestic distractions." G.
Eliot.
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.
Atterbury.
Syn. -- Perplexity; confusion; disturbance; disorder;
dissension; tumult; derangement; madness; raving; franticness;
furiousness.