distractor
Focus-stealing false option
A distractor is something that diverts attention from a main focus.
In standardized testing, distractors are the wrong answer choices designed to seem plausible: The test writers craft distractors that reflect common mistakes.
More broadly, anything that pulls focus away from a task or goal can be called a distractor: Social media is a major distractor when I'm trying to work.
False target for misdirection
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
deflection · ruse · ploy · subterfuge · bait · lure · camouflage · sidetrack
Break in continuity
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
obstacle · hindrance · impediment · noise · intrusion · derailment · sidetracking · break
State of being baffled
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
- obfuscationDeliberate concealment through confusion
- cloudingMaking less transparent
- muddlingConfusedly mixing up
befuddlement · perplexity · misleading · blur · haze · fog · mental clutter · cognitive load
Incorrect reply to query
- foilDefeat a plan
- multiple choiceQuestion with listed options
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- trick questionDeliberately misleading inquiry
Concentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- attentionFocused mental awareness
engagement · absorption · immersion · alertness · vigilance · heedfulness · presence · intensity
Device that widens passages
- retractorTool exposing surgical field
- speculumMedical opening device
- surgical instrumentTool for operations
decoy
False target for misdirection
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- feintDeceptive mock attack
misdirection · deflection · ruse · ploy · subterfuge · bait · lure · camouflage · sidetrack · tangent
interruption
Break in continuity
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
annoyance · obstacle · hindrance · impediment · noise · intrusion · derailment · sidetracking · break · disruption
bewilderment
State of being baffled
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
- obfuscationDeliberate concealment through confusion
- cloudingMaking less transparent
muddling · befuddlement · perplexity · misleading · blur · haze · fog · mental clutter · cognitive load · overstimulation
wrong answer
Incorrect reply to query
- foilDefeat a plan
- multiple choiceQuestion with listed options
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
focus
Concentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
attention · engagement · absorption · immersion · alertness · vigilance · heedfulness · presence · intensity · intentness
dilator
Device that widens passages
- retractorTool exposing surgical field
- speculumMedical opening device
- surgical instrumentTool for operations
- examsexam, test, quiz, final exam, midterm
- test takingA, B, C, D, E
- assessmentsassessments, evaluation, evaluations, test, tests
distractorcorrect answer
Accurate solution sought
right answer · key · solution · answer key
- driven to distractionIntensely annoyed, can't concentrate
- distracted drivingVehicle control while mentally elsewhere
- distracted driverSomeone operating vehicle carelessly
- drives to distractionAnnoys beyond endurance
- drove to distractionCaused extreme irritation
- driving to distractionProvoking extreme agitation
distract, distraction, distracted, distracting, distractions, distractedly, undistracted, distractive, distractibility