pull away

Related to word: pull

Phrasal Verb

Definition (movement)

  1. When a vehicle begins to move from a stationary position.

    • When the traffic light turned green, the vehicles began to pull away.

    • He plans to pull away as soon as the signal light turns green.

    • We waited by the roadside for a few minutes until the cars started to pull away.

  2. To suddenly withdraw your body from someone holding you by moving backward.

    • She suddenly felt uncomfortable and pulled away, swiftly withdrawing from his grasp.

    • When he tried to hold me, I pulled away a step to get out of his reach.

    • Children often try to pull away when adults reach out to catch them during play.