to keep one's distance

Examples

• All

• We will keep our distance, even from each other.

  Fiction book (1997)

• All right, keep your distance there.

  Charlotte's Web (2006)

• So, I just... thought it was better if I kept my distance.

  The Garfield Movie (2024)

• He'll charge you, but keep your distance and use your speed.

  Troy (2004)

• You gotta be tough, keep your distance.

  Dead Men Walking (2005)

• No, I told him, keep your distance.

  Limbo (1999)

• Please, just... - Keep your distance.

  S1m0ne (2002)

• All I have to do is keep my distance from now on.

  Blog text (34)

• I needed to keep my distance.

  Fiction book (1994)

• Hey, keep your distance, Parker!

  Creature (2011)

Synonyms

A

to avoid

vsto keep one's distance

∞ 1.0

To stay away from something or not do it to stop something bad from happening

emphasizes deliberate space from people or involvement rather than only harm prevention

L

to leave alone

vsto keep one's distance

∞ 2.3

To avoid touching and disturbing a person, animal or object

is active withholding of contact rather than passive noninterference

S

to stay away

vsto keep one's distance

711 1.6

Keep a distance from people or things you want to avoid

deliberately keeps space as a cautious choice rather than general avoidance

S

to stay away from

vsto keep one's distance

570 2.3

Avoid going near people or places for safety

is general deliberate avoidance not only for safety reasons

B

to back off

vsto keep one's distance

• Informal

443 2.8

Move away from someone, or stop taking part in something

is intentional maintained space rather than a single retreat

K

to keep away

vsto keep one's distance

335 1.6

Stop someone or something from coming near

is self chosen avoidance rather than actively keeping others away

K

to keep off

vsto keep one's distance

278 2.4

To stay away from a place, person, or thing

is deliberate separation focused on keeping space, not only locations

I

to isolate

vsto keep one's distance

204 4.2

To keep someone or something apart from others

is voluntary personal avoidance not necessarily active enforced separation

P

to pull away

vsto keep one's distance

153 3.5

To move away from people or a place to create space

is ongoing chosen separation rather than the initial act of moving away

S

to stand back

vsto keep one's distance

129 1.6

Move away and keep a safe distance from something or someone for safety

is deliberate long term distancing rather than a brief physical move

D

to distance

vsto keep one's distance

86 5.7

To make yourself less involved with someone or something

is deliberate physical or social separation rather than mainly emotional withdrawal

S

to shun

vsto keep one's distance

72 4.6

To avoid someone or something and refuse to meet and speak to them on purpose

focuses on keeping distance rather than active rejection

S

to stay out of it

vsto keep one's distance

66 3.8

To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight

is general avoidance of people or contact not only disputes

P

to push away

vsto keep one's distance

66 3.2

To stop other people from getting close to you emotionally

is cautious noninvolvement rather than actively rejecting relationships

T

to turn away from

vsto keep one's distance

65 3.7

To refuse to have anything to do with someone or something

focuses on keeping distance rather than outright refusal

S

to shy away from

vsto keep one's distance

46 4.6

Avoid doing something because you feel afraid or unsure

is deliberate and purposeful avoidance rather than avoidance from fear

S

to steer clear of

vsto keep one's distance

• Informal

38 4.0

To stay away from people and things that may cause trouble or harm

is deliberate distancing not only to avoid trouble specifically

E

to eschew

vsto keep one's distance

• Formal

23 8.9

To avoid something on purpose

is deliberate avoidance mainly of people or involvement not general principle

K

to keep at arm's length

vsto keep one's distance

9 6.3

To avoid getting too close to someone or something, often emotionally

is broader avoidance and not only about cautious personal space

S

to seclude

vsto keep one's distance

4 6.7

To keep somebody away from other people

is about choosing separation rather than isolating by force or rule

P

to put daylight between

vsto keep one's distance

1 8.8

To create distance from someone or something to avoid being too close

is deliberate personal avoidance rather than only creating physical space

S

to sidle away

vsto keep one's distance

1 7.7

To move quietly to the side and away so people do not notice you

is deliberate maintained space rather than a quiet leaving action

D

to distance oneself from

vsto keep one's distance

1 7.0

Keep away from someone or something to show no connection

is physical or social avoidance but less focused on emotional separation

K

to keep to oneself

vsto keep one's distance

1 5.4

To not tell others your thoughts or feelings

is active avoidance of close contact rather than simple privacy

Antonyms

A

to approach

559 2.1

To move closer in space to a person or thing

E

to engage

39 3.5

To keep someone's full attention

How Distant

to shun

72 4.6

to steer clear of

• Informal

38 4.0

to keep one's distance

1 3.9

to stay away from

570 2.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology