verb

sidetrack

sidetrack, distract, divert

Don't let him sidetrack you from your work.

Don't let him sidetrack you from your work.

The meeting got sidetracked by a long debate.

The meeting got sidetracked by a long debate.

to sidetrack ((sb.)) to distract (sb.) The interesting story sidetracked the students.

to get sidetracked to become distracted I always get sidetracked when I'm online.

Synonyms: distract, divert, derail; Antonyms: focus, concentrate

From 'side' + 'track'. Originally referred to moving a train from the main line to a siding.

Imagine a train on the main track (your goal) being moved to a side track (a distraction).

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