1. The extent of space between two objects or places; an intervening space.
2. The fact or condition of being apart in space; remoteness.
3. Mathematics. The length or numerical value of a straight line or curve.
4. 1. The extent of space between points on a measured course.
   2. The length of a race, especially of a horserace.
5. 1. A point or area that is far away: "Telephone poles stretched way into a distance I couldn't quite see" (Leigh Allison Wilson).
   2. A depiction of a such a point or area.
6. A stretch of space without designation of limit; an expanse: a land of few hills and great distances.
7. The extent of time between two events; an intervening period.
8. A point removed in time: At a distance of 11 years, his memory of the crime was blurry.
9. The full period or length of a contest or game: The challenger had never attempted the distance of 12 rounds.
10. An amount of progress: The curriculum committee is a distance from where it was last month.
11. Difference or disagreement: The candidates could not be at a greater distance on this issue.
12. Emotional separateness or reserve; aloofness.

1. To place or keep at or as if at a distance: "To understand Russian strategy ... it is necessary for us to distance ourselves from our own myths and to enter into theirs" (Freeman J. Dyson).
2. To cause to appear at a distance.
3. To leave far behind; outrun.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.