ablenken
distract
Jemanden von einer Sache oder einem Gedanken wegführen, sodass die Aufmerksamkeit auf etwas anderes gerichtet wird.
The German word "ablenken" is a verb that means "to distract" or "to divert". It is constructed from the prefix "ab-" indicating a motion away or a separation, and the verb "lenken," which means "to steer" or "to direct." "Ablenken" refers to drawing someone’s attention away from something or changing the direction of something, either figuratively (in thought) or literally (in physical direction).
Similar words in German include "zerstreuen" (to disperse or to scatter, often used metaphorically for thoughts), "stören" (to disturb or interrupt), and "irreführen" (to mislead). The distinction often lies in the implications and contexts: "ablenken" suggests a redirection of focus or sources, "stören" implies an interruption, "irreführen" connotes deception, and "zerstreuen" relates to scattering concentration or attention.
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Examples
Musik lenkt mich beim Arbeiten ab.verb
Music distracts me while I work.
Lauter Lärm lenkt uns oft ab.verb
Loud noise often distracts us.
Der Film kann dich leicht ablenken.verb
The film can easily distract you.
Er liebt es, beim Lesen Geräusche zu machen, um seine Geschwister abzulenken.verb
He loves to make noises while reading, to distract his siblings.
Kinder lenken dich oft ab.verb
Children often distract you.
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