distanziarsi

Distanziarsi is a pronominal Italian verb of the first conjugation (-arsi) that means to place oneself at a distance, either physically or emotionally, or to withdraw from a person, idea, or position. It can indicate keeping physical space, but is also used figuratively to indicate detachment or disagreement with a stance, group, or policy. The expression prende le distanze from someone or something is common in journalistic and formal language, meaning to publicly diverge from or distance oneself from that person or position.

Etymology and usage notes:

The verb derives from the noun distanza (distance) and the suffix -arsi, with a semantic range that covers both literal spacing and metaphorical separation. It typically appears with da to specify the reference object: distanziarsi da una persona, da un progetto, da un’opinione. The related idiom prendere le distanze (dalla propria posizione o da qualcuno) is widely used in politics, media, and everyday speech.

Conjugation:

Distanziarsi follows the regular pattern of -arsi verbs. In the present indicative: io mi distanzio, tu ti distanzi, lui si distanzia, noi ci distanziamo, voi vi distanziate, loro si distanziano. The passato prossimo is formed with essere: mi sono distanziato/a. The gerund is distanziando, and the past participle is distanziato.

See also:

distanza, allontanarsi, prendere le distanze. This verb is commonly used in political, social, and personal contexts to describe deliberate withdrawal or the creation of emotional or ideological distance.