n.
     - the length of the space between two points:
 I cycled the short distance home.
 - the condition of being remote. 
▸a far-off point.
 - the full length of a race or other contest. 
▸Brit. Horse Racing  a space of more than twenty lengths between two finishers in a race.
 ▸
(the distance)
 Brit. Horse Racing  a length of 240 yards from the winning post on a racecourse.
 - an interval of time.
 - aloofness or reserve.
 
v.
 make distant. 
▸
(often distance oneself from)
 dissociate or separate.
 
  Phrase
  
    - go the distance
 last or continue to participate until the scheduled end of a contest.  - keep one's distance
 stay far away. ▸maintain one's reserve.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME (in the sense ‘discord, debate’): from OFr. or from L. distantia, from distant-, distare (see distant).