1 attract | Definition of attract

attract

verb
at·​tract | \ ə-ˈtrakt How to pronounce attract (audio) \
attracted; attracting; attracts

Definition of attract

transitive verb

: to cause to approach or adhere: such as
a : to pull to or draw toward oneself or itself A magnet attracts iron.
b : to draw by appeal to natural or excited interest, emotion, or aesthetic sense : entice attract attention The museum attracts visitors.

intransitive verb

: to exercise attraction Opposites attract.

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Other Words from attract

attractor \ -​ˈtrak-​tər How to pronounce attractor (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for attract

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence. attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another. students attracted by the school's locale allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive. an alluring smile charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response charmed by their hospitality , but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration. her performances captivated audiences fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist. a story that continues to fascinate children enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject. hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of attract in a Sentence

The company has a difficult time attracting good employees because of its poor pay and benefits. The chance to travel around the world attracted me to a career as a flight attendant.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, attracting top talent requires this kind of branding jujitsu. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "The Political Overreaction to Walmart’s P.R. Strategy," 5 Sep. 2019 Scheduled for completion in mid-2020, a favorable decision from FERC on the EIS is seen by most industry experts as a major step towards de-risking the project and one that could help attract investors. — Elwood Brehmer, Anchorage Daily News, "BP sale to Hilcorp has impacts well beyond Prudhoe Bay," 5 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attract.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of attract

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for attract

Middle English, from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere, from ad- + trahere to pull, draw

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More Definitions for attract

attract

verb

English Language Learners Definition of attract

: to cause (someone) to choose to do or be involved in something
: to cause (someone) to like or be interested in something
: to cause (someone or something) to go to or move to or toward a place

attract

verb
at·​tract | \ ə-ˈtrakt How to pronounce attract (audio) \
attracted; attracting

Kids Definition of attract

1 : to draw by appealing to interest or feeling I guess we must've been talking pretty loud, because…we attracted a crowd. — Jeff Kinney, Wimpy Kid
2 : to draw to or toward something else A magnet attracts iron.

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More from Merriam-Webster on attract

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with attract

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for attract

Spanish Central: Translation of attract

Nglish: Translation of attract for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of attract for Arabic Speakers

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