attract









attract


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)

  1. to possess or exert the power of attraction.

verb (mainly tr)

  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 separationthe gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it
  3. to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itselfjam attracts wasps
  4. (also intr) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
v.

early 15c., from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere “to draw, pull; to attract,” from ad- “to” (see ad-) + trahere “draw” (see tract (n.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 (1560s). Of the ability of people or animals to draw others to them, it is attested from 1560s; of physical forces (magnetism, etc.), from c.1600 (implied in attraction). Related: Attracted; attracting.

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