attract
//əˈtɹækt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- attract
- past (v2)
- attracted
- past participle (v3)
- attracted
- present participle
- attracting
- 3rd person singular
- attracts
Definitions
1.To pull toward without touching.
- All bodies, and all the parts of bodies, mutually attract themselves, and one another.
- A magnet attracts iron filings.
- The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.
2.To draw by moral, emotional or sexual influence; to engage or fix, as the mind, attention, etc.; to invite or allure.
- Advertising is designed to attract customers.
- His big smile and brown eyes instantly attracted me.
3.To incur.
- Using the minibar in a hotel room attracts additional charges.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2200
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere (“to draw to, attract”)
From ad (“to”) + trahere (“to draw”).