attention
/əˈtɛn.ʃən/ · at·ten·tion
noun
- The act or power of concentrating the mind on something. Please direct your attention to the following words.
- An expression of interest or concern toward someone or something, especially of a romantic nature. She gave him her full attention during the dinner.
- A state of alertness, especially in a standing posture, as used in military drill. The troops snapped to attention when the sergeant shouted.
interjection
- A command ordering soldiers to assume the attention position. Attention!
- A call for silence or for listeners to focus on what follows. Attention, everyone, the meeting will begin shortly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The military command “Attention!” dates back to the 17th‑century Prussian army and was adopted worldwide as a universal signal for soldiers to stand upright and be ready.