His frequent interruptions detracted from the focus on the main issue during the debate.

detracted 是动词 detract 的过去式，由前缀 de-（表示"向下、去除"）和词根 tract（"拉、拖"）组成，字面意思是"向下拉走"。引申为"减损、分散（注意力）"的意思。在句中表示频繁打断的行为降低了人们对主要议题的关注度。