32. attract (verb) usually passive if you are attracted by something, it interests you and makes you want it. If you are attracted by somebody, you like or admire them. Somebody I had always been attracted by the idea of working abroad. Somebody to somebody/something what first attracted me to her was her sense of humour. 2 somebody/something (to something) to make somebody/something come somewhere or take part in something. The warm damp air attracts a lot of mosquitoes. The exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors. 3 something to make people have a particular reaction. This proposal has attracted a lot of interest. His comments were bound to attract criticism. She tried to attract the attention of the waiter. 4. (physics) if a magnet or