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attract

 - 3 dictionary results

at⋅tract

  [uh-trakt]
Use attract in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to 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)
3. to possess or exert the power of attraction.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME < L attractus drawn to (ptp. of attrahere), equiv. to at- at- + trac- (var. s. of trahere to draw) + -tus ptp. suffix

Related forms:
at⋅tract⋅a⋅ble, adjective
at⋅tract⋅a⋅ble⋅ness, noun
at⋅tract⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
at⋅trac⋅tor, at⋅tract⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To attract
at·tract   (ə-trākt')   
v.   at·tract·ed, at·tract·ing, at·tracts

v.   tr.

  1. To cause to draw near or adhere by physical force: Magnetic poles are attracted to their opposites.

  2. To arouse or compel the interest, admiration, or attention of: We were attracted by the display of lights.

v.   intr.
To possess or use the power of attraction.

[Middle English attracten, from Latin attrahere, attract- : ad-, ad- + trahere, pull.]
at·tract'a·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

attract 
1540, from L. attractus, pp. of attrahere "to draw, to attract," from ad- "to" + trahere "draw" (see tract (1)). Originally a medical term for the body's tendency to absorb fluids, nourishment, etc., or for a poultice treatment to "draw out" diseased matter (1563). Of the ability of people or animals to draw others to them, it is attested from 1568; of physical forces (magnetism, etc.), from 1607 (implied in attraction). Attractive in the sense of "pleasing, alluring" is from 1602. Attraction "interesting or amusing exhibition" is from 1862.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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