distance

noun

• 1the length of the space between two points:I cycled the short distance home you may have to walk long distances
• [mass noun] the condition of being far off; remoteness:distance makes things look small
• a far-off point:watching them from a distance
• (the distance) the more remote part of what is visible or discernible:I heard police sirens in the distance they sped off into the distance
• an interval of time:the sort of goal which remains in the memory even at a distance of six years

• 2the full length of a race:he claimed the 100 m title in only his second race over the distance
• British Horse Racing a space of more than twenty lengths between two finishers in a race:he stormed home by a distance in the Handicap Chase
• (the distance) British a length of 240 yards from the winning post on a racecourse.
• North American Horse Racing the distance from the winning post which a horse must have reached when the winner finishes in order to qualify for a subsequent heat.
• (the distance) Boxing the scheduled length of a fight:he has won his first five fights inside the distance

• 3 [mass noun] the avoidance of familiarity; reserve:a mix of warmth and distance makes a good neighbour

verb

• 1make (someone or something) far off or remote in position or nature:her mother wished to distance her from the rough village children
• (distance oneself from) declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of (someone or something):he sought to distance himself from the proposals

• 2North American Horse Racing beat (a horse) by a distance.