To attract means to draw something or someone closer, like a magnet pulling metal objects toward it. When you attract attention, you make people notice you. When a store attracts customers, it makes people want to come inside and shop.

Scientists use this word precisely when describing forces in nature. Magnets attract certain metals. The earth's gravity attracts objects toward its center, which is why things fall down instead of floating away. Opposite electrical charges attract each other.

The word also describes appeal or interest between people. You might be attracted to someone who shares your sense of humor, or attracted to a friend group because they enjoy the same activities you do. A great book attracts readers. A challenging puzzle attracts people who love solving problems.

The opposite of attract is repel. While magnets attract metal, they repel other magnets when you try to push their matching poles together. While some people are attracted to roller coasters, others are repelled by them (they want to stay far away!).

Notice that attraction can be physical, like gravity, or based on qualities and interests. When something attracts you, it pulls your attention or interest, even if you're not physically moving closer to it.