attract

[uh-trakt]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (repel ).

   The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.

2. to draw by appealing to the emotions or senses, by stimulating interest, or by exciting admiration; allure; invite.

   to attract attention; to attract admirers by one's charm.

verb (used without object)

1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

attract

/ əˈtrækt /

verb

1. to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention )

2. (also intr) to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation

   the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it

3. to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself

   jam attracts wasps

4. (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)

Other Word Forms

• attractable adjective
• attractor noun
• attractableness noun
• attractingly adverb
• attracter noun
• reattract verb (used with object)
• unattractable adjective
• unattracted adjective
• unattracting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin attractus “drawn toward,” past participle of attrahere “to draw toward,” from at- at- + trahere “to draw, drag, pull”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attract¹

C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull

Example Sentences

Some Conservatives have argued that their party should support abolition to attract more voters.

From BBC

Its water usually sits stagnant, attracting swarms of gnats to the field during the more humid months of the year.

From Los Angeles Times

Her prominence and the venom of her political attacks had put a target on her back and attracted unwanted headlines.

From BBC

Typically, each round of funding receives about 30 to 35 applications from developers, though this round probably will attract more since there’s more money to go around.

From Los Angeles Times

With Kang at the helm, the club is run very differently - operating in female sports markets and attracting independent sponsorships.

From BBC

Related Words

• appeal to www.thesaurus.com
• bring 
• captivate 
• draw 
• engage 
• entice 
• fascinate 
• interest 
• intrigue 
• invite 
• kill 
• send