Éloigner

Éloigner is a French verb meaning to move something away from a reference point or to create distance, either physically or figuratively. It can be used in a straightforward transitive sense, as in moving an object away, and in a pronominal form, as in s’éloigner, meaning to go away or to become distant from someone or something. In addition to physical distancing, the verb is often used to express keeping away from danger, influence, or unwanted contact, as well as emotional or social distance.

Etymology and form: Éloigner is derived from loigner with the prefix é-, which marks separation or moving away. The related noun éloignement denotes the act or state of being distant. The word is a regular -er verb in conjugation, though its spelling reflects the accent on the stem. The past participle is éloigné, and the present tense forms are: j’éloigne, tu éloignes, il éloigne, nous éloignons, vous éloignez, ils éloignent. The past tense can be formed with avoir: j’ai éloigné; imperfect: j’éloignais; future: j’éloignerai. The gerund is en éloignant, and the subjunctive present includes que j’éloigne, que tu éloignes, qu’il éloigne, que nous éloignions, que vous éloigniez, qu’ils éloignent.

Usage notes: Common constructions include éloigner quelque chose de quelque chose (to move something away from something), éloigner quelqu’un de quelque chose (to keep someone away from something), and s’éloigner de quelqu’un/quelque chose (to become distant from someone or something). Synonyms include distancer, éloignement, mettre à distance, and antonymous terms include rapprocher and attirer.

See also: éloigné, éloignement, loigner, rapprocher.