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to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to ):
The gravitational force of the earth attracts smaller bodies to it.
to draw by appealing to the emotions or senses, by stimulating interest, or by exciting admiration; allure; invite:
to attract attention; to attract admirers by one’s charm.
to possess or exert the power of .
Contemporary Examples

If Santorum had just attracted a few thousand more working-class votes, he would have won the primary.
Rick Santorum’s Blue-Collar Fumble Andrew Romano March 6, 2012

The “humanitarian” convoy that has attracted international attention does not appear to have been directly involved.
Ukraine Rebels Boast About Troops and Tanks Coming from Russia Jamie Dettmer August 15, 2014

Blue Leaves also attracted Stiller with its prescience about our society’s obsession with fame.
Ben Stiller’s Daddy Issues Jacob Bernstein April 16, 2011

When asked why men are so attracted to crazy chicks, Mila Kunis, who plays Lily, lets out a laugh.
Crazy Chick Flicks Ramin Setoodeh January 30, 2011

Since their arrest, the band has attracted popular supporters such as Madonna, Yoko Ono, and Paul McCartney.
Russian Court Frees Member of Pussy Riot Anna Nemtsova October 9, 2012

Historical Examples

But there was one on the mantel which attracted my attention especially.
Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1909 to 1922 Lucy Maud Montgomery

Or was it the infinite humour of Falstaff which attracted him?
The Man Shakespeare Frank Harris

He nudged his colleague and drew his attention to the object that had attracted him.
The Iron Ration George Abel Schreiner

The other three seniors, attracted by the scene, came back, and waited with Gaunt.
The Channings Mrs. Henry Wood

This attracted his attention and then excited his curiosity.
Gabriel Tolliver Joel Chandler Harris

verb (mainly transitive)
to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp in the phrase attract attention)
(also intransitive) to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation: the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it
to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself: jam attracts wasps
(also intransitive) to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to)
v.

early 15c., from Latin attractus, past participle of attrahere “to draw, pull; to attract,” from ad- “to” (see ad-) + trahere “draw” (see tract (n.1)).

Originally a medical term for the body’s tendency to absorb fluids, nourishment, etc., or for a poultice treatment to “draw out” diseased matter (1560s). Of the ability of people or animals to draw others to them, it is attested from 1560s; of physical forces (magnetism, etc.), from c.1600 (implied in attraction). Related: Attracted; attracting.

verb

To steal: attracted some lumber and built a garage (1891+)