To distraction Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Used to express strong feelings that deeply affect one's mind or emotions. After the breakup, he was distracted to distraction. Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbole Alert Often an exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally. During the concert, I missed her presence to distraction. Pro Tip 3/3Negative Context Typically implies a negative emotion or situation, such as worry or annoyance. The constant noise from upstairs annoys me to distraction.