distracted

comparative more distracted · superlative most distracted

1. having one's attention diverted; preoccupied; distrait (literary)

   Plenty of accidents happened with a look-out present but momentarily distracted.

   2021 September 22, Dr Mike Esbester, “Trackside safety: a permanent problem”, in RAIL, number 940, page 79

2. distraught

   Runs about the house like a distracted person crying and making a most hideous noise.

   1737, J. Bricknell, The Natural History of North Carolina, page 342

   2 more examples

   There'll be a procession— bands— dead march— bells tolling— all the girls in tears— Yum-Yum distracted— then, when it's all over, general rejoicings, and a display of fireworks in the evening.

   1885, W. S. Gilbert, “Act I”, in The Mikado

   ‘Taffety brocade at ten shillings an ell at Simon Snippets, the woman’s tailor, now quite ruined. I shall go distracted.’

   1936, Norman Lindsay, The Flyaway Highway, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 56

1. participlepastsimple past and past participle of distract