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Oxford English Dictionary

 

Definition of distract (v):
5. To throw into a state of mind in which one knows not how to act; to perplex or bewilder greatly. (Often coloured by sense 6, which is, however, no longer used literally.)
6.a. To derange the mind or intellect of; to render insane, drive mad. Obs. in lit. sense: cf. 5.
1600 Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. i. "poverty hath distracted her."
-- Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press.
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