attention (attentions plural )
1 n-uncount If you give someone or something your attention, you look at it, listen to it, or think about it carefully.
also N in pl, usu with poss
You have my undivided attention..., Later he turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province., ...young children with short attention spans.
2 n-uncount Attention is great interest that is shown in someone or something, particularly by the general public.
Volume Two, sub-titled `The Lawyers', will also attract considerable attention..., The conference may help to focus attention on the economy.
3 n-uncount If someone or something is getting attention, they are being dealt with or cared for.
Each year more than two million household injuries need medical attention.
4 n-plural You can refer to someone's efforts to help you, or the interest they show in you, as their attentions, especially if you dislike or disapprove of them.
usu the N of n
The only way to escape the unwanted attentions of the local men was not to go out...
5 n-uncount If you bring something to someone's attention or draw their attentionto it, you tell them about it or make them notice it.
usu with poss
If we don't keep bringing this to the attention of the people, nothing will be done...
6 If someone or something attracts your attention or catches your attention, you suddenly notice them.
attract sb's attention/catch sb's attention phrase V inflects
He sat at one of the round tables and tried to attract her attention.
7 If you pay attentionto someone, you watch them, listen to them, or take notice of them. If you pay no attentionto someone, you behave as if you are not aware of them or as if they are not important.
pay attention phrase V inflects
More than ever before, the food industry is paying attention to young consumers..., Other people walk along the beach at night, so I didn't pay any attention at first...
8 When people stand to attention or stand at attention, they stand straight with their feet together and their arms at their sides.
stand to attention/stand at attention phrase V inflects Soldiers in full combat gear stood at attention...
attention deficit disorder
Attention deficit disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are unable to concentrate on anything for very long and so find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADD is often used. n-uncount
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition where people, especially children, are extremely active and unable to concentrate on anything for very long, with the result that they find it difficult to learn and often behave in inappropriate ways. The abbreviation ADHD is often used. n-uncount
attention-grabbing
An attention-grabbing remark or activity is one that is intended to make people notice it. adj usu ADJ n
...an attention-grabbing marketing campaign.
