Lewis & Short

distractĭo, ōnis, f. [distraho], a pulling asunder, dividing, separating.

  1. I. In gen.
    1. A. Lit.: distractio cruciatusque membrorum, Gell. 12, 5, 3.
    2. B. Transf., a parting, dividing: humanorum animorum, Cic. N. D. 1, 11, 27: animi corporisque, Sen. Ep. 30 fin.: harum mihi voluptatum omnium atque itidem tibi distractio, discidium, vastities venit, Plaut. Ps. 1, 1, 68.
    3. C. In partic., in mercant. lang., a selling in single portions, piecemeal, or by retail: fundi, Dig. 2, 15, 8, § 15: mercium, ib. 14, 3, 5, § 12.
  2. II. Trop., dissension, discord, disagreement: nulla nobis societas cum tyrannis et potius summa distractio est, Cic. Off. 3, 6, 32; so, civium, Varr. ap. Non. 287, 15.