- to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually followed by from).
- to draw away or divert; distract: to detract another's attention from more important issues.
- to take away (a part); abate: The dilapidated barn detracts charm from the landscape.
- to take away a part (of); diminish
- to distract or divert
- to belittle or disparage
