drive away

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle away

Meanings

1

Leave by car

Why “away”? You move away from where you were until you are out of reach.

She drove away without saying goodbye.
She departed in her car without saying goodbye.
He drove away from the station in silence.
He departed in his car from the station in silence.
2

Force someone to leave or stay away

His attitude drives people away.
His attitude forces people to stay away.
The loud music drives customers away.
The loud music forces customers to stay away.

Don't confuse with

drive awaydrive back

Drive away means leave by car. Drive back means force an attacker to retreat.

drive awaydrive off

Drive away means force someone to leave or stay away. Drive off means leave by car.

Test yourself

She drove away without saying goodbye. What does it mean?

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