pull away

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To start moving forward, especially of a vehicle leaving a place.

   Grammar: No object; often used with 'from' to say where it left.

   Patterns

   • pull away from something

   The bus pulled away from the stop before I could get on.

   She waved as the car pulled away.

   The train pulled away slowly and then sped up.

2. 2verbintransitive

   To move yourself away from someone or something, especially by pulling.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from'.

   Patterns

   • pull away from someone/something

   She tried to pull away from his grip.

   The child pulled away when the doctor tried to examine him.

   He pulled away from the crowd to catch his breath.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To gradually become less close or involved with someone or something.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by 'from'.

   Patterns

   • pull away from someone/something

   After the argument, he began to pull away from his friends.

   The company is pulling away from its traditional markets.

   She felt her partner pulling away and didn't know why.

Common combinations

pull away from the curb

The taxi pulled away from the curb and joined the traffic.

pull away slowly

The car pulled away slowly, as if the driver was unsure.

pull away in the lead

The runner pulled away in the lead during the final lap.

Synonyms and how they differ

leave

More general; it can be used for people walking or any departure, while 'pull away' is mainly for vehicles.

depart

More formal and often used for scheduled transport, not for a car slowly moving off.

withdraw

Used for ending involvement, often in official or military contexts; 'pull away' is more personal and gradual.

Opposites

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pull away”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words