alejar
/a.leˈxaɾ/verb★Intermediate
general
To move or keep something at a distance; to remove or separate from a place or person.
El perro se alejó cuando vio al gato.
The dog moved away when it saw the cat.
Aleja las manos de la estufa, está caliente.
Move your hands away from the stove, it's hot.
💡
Can be used both physically (moving objects or people) and metaphorically (emotional distancing).
Collocations
alejar a alguiento move someone awayalejar deto move away fromalejar el peligroto avert danger
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
alejarse de alguienphrase
to distance oneself from someone
alejar el peligrophrase
to avert danger
💡Pro Tip
Reflexive Use
Remember that 'alejar' is often used reflexively (e.g., 'alejarse de los problemas') to indicate the subject is the one moving away.
📖Word Origin
From the Latin 'alicari', meaning 'to remove' or 'to take away'.
📝Usage Notes
Often used reflexively ('alejarse') to indicate someone moving away from a place or situation.
Word Breakdown
alej-
away
root-ar
verb ending
suffixDiccionario Español-Inglés