E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Distraction.
An excellent example of how greatly the meaning of words may change. To “distract” means now, to harass, to perplex; and “distraction” confusion of mind from a great multiplicity of duties; but in French to
“distract” means to divert the mind, and “distraction” means recreation or amusement (Latin, dis - traho). (See SLAVE.)
