Top 30 Slang For Push Away – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the act of pushing someone or something away, language has evolved to include a variety of colorful slang terms. Curious about the trendy ways people describe this action? Our team has rounded up the top slang for push away that you need to know. Stay ahead of the curve and dive into this listicle to brush up on your slang game!

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1. Shove off

This slang phrase is often used to indicate a strong desire for someone to leave or go away. It can also be used to dismiss or disregard someone or something.

For example, “I told him to shove off after he kept bothering me at the party.”
In a heated argument, one person might say, “Why don’t you just shove off and leave me alone?”
If someone asks for help but you don’t want to assist them, you might say, “Shove off, I have better things to do.”

2. Brush off

This slang term is used to describe the act of disregarding or not taking something or someone seriously. It implies a lack of interest or concern.

For instance, “She brushed off his advances and walked away.”
If someone is being persistent in their requests, you might say, “I just brushed him off and told him I wasn’t interested.”
In a situation where someone is not paying attention to important information, you could say, “Don’t brush off these warnings, they’re serious.”

3. Give the cold shoulder

This phrase describes the act of deliberately showing indifference or aloofness towards someone. It often involves giving someone the silent treatment or refusing to engage with them.

For example, “She gave him the cold shoulder after their argument.”
If someone is being ignored by a group, you might say, “They’re giving him the cold shoulder because of what he did.”
In a situation where someone is trying to get your attention but you’re intentionally ignoring them, you could say, “I’m giving him the cold shoulder because he never listens.”

4. Turn a blind eye

This slang phrase means to deliberately ignore or overlook something, usually because it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. It implies a conscious choice to avoid dealing with a certain situation.

For instance, “The manager turned a blind eye to the employee’s misconduct.”
If someone is aware of wrongdoing but doesn’t take any action, you might say, “They turned a blind eye to the corruption happening within the organization.”
In a situation where someone is purposely ignoring a problem, you could say, “They’re turning a blind eye to the issues in their relationship.”

5. Push aside

This slang term is often used to describe the act of intentionally ignoring or giving less importance to something or someone. It implies a lack of interest or value.

For example, “He pushed aside his personal desires to focus on his career.”
If someone is not paying attention to important matters, you might say, “Don’t push aside these important tasks, they need to be addressed.”
In a situation where someone is ignoring someone else’s feelings, you could say, “She pushed aside his concerns and continued with her own agenda.”

6. Cast off

To cast off means to push away or get rid of something or someone. It can also mean to reject or abandon something or someone.

For example, “She cast off all her old clothes and bought a whole new wardrobe.”
In a relationship, one person might say, “I need to cast off this toxic person from my life.”
A manager might decide to cast off an underperforming employee from the team.

7. Repel

To repel means to push away or resist something or someone. It can also mean to reject or refuse something or someone.

For instance, “The strong smell of the repellent repels mosquitoes.”
In a social setting, someone might say, “His arrogant attitude repels people from wanting to be friends with him.”
A student might repel the idea of studying for an exam and choose to go out with friends instead.

8. Reject

To reject means to push away or refuse something or someone. It can also mean to dismiss or deny something or someone.

For example, “She rejected his proposal and broke up with him.”
In a job application, a company might reject a candidate if they don’t meet the qualifications.
A person might reject an offer to go out because they have other plans.

9. Dismiss

To dismiss means to push away or disregard something or someone. It can also mean to reject or ignore something or someone.

For instance, “He dismissed her concerns and continued with his plan.”
In a meeting, a manager might dismiss an employee’s idea without giving it much thought.
A person might dismiss a rumor about themselves by saying, “That’s not true, don’t believe it.”

10. Shun

To shun means to push away or avoid someone or something intentionally. It can also mean to reject or ostracize someone or something.

For example, “After the scandal, she was shunned by the entire community.”
In a school setting, a group of students might shun a new student because they are different.
A person might shun unhealthy foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

11. Ostracize

To exclude or reject someone from a group or community, often as a form of punishment or social pressure. Ostracizing someone involves intentionally pushing them away and making them feel isolated.

For example, “After the scandal, the celebrity was ostracized by the industry.”
In a school setting, a student might say, “The popular kids always ostracize anyone who doesn’t conform.”
A person discussing workplace dynamics might mention, “Office politics can lead to individuals being ostracized by their colleagues.”

12. Banish

To force someone to leave or be removed from a place or group, often as a form of punishment or as a means of pushing them away. Banishing someone involves a deliberate act of pushing them out and cutting off their connection.

For instance, “The king banished the traitor from the kingdom.”
In a fantasy novel, a character might say, “She was banished from her homeland and forced to wander the wilderness.”
A person discussing personal relationships might say, “After the breakup, he banished all memories of his ex from his life.”

13. Evict

To legally force someone to leave a property or premises, often due to non-payment of rent or violation of terms. Evicting someone involves physically pushing them away from the place they were occupying.

For example, “The landlord decided to evict the troublesome tenant.”
In a news article about housing issues, it might state, “Many families are facing eviction due to the economic downturn.”
A person discussing tenant rights might say, “It’s important to understand the laws surrounding eviction and know your rights as a renter.”

14. Exclude

To deliberately leave someone out or not include them in a group, activity, or event. Excluding someone involves pushing them away by denying them access or participation.

For instance, “They decided to exclude him from the team because of his poor performance.”
In a school setting, a student might say, “The popular girls always exclude anyone they deem as ‘uncool’.”
A person discussing social dynamics might mention, “Exclusion can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.”

15. Ignore

To intentionally pay no attention to someone or something, often as a way of pushing them away or disregarding their presence. Ignoring someone involves actively avoiding interaction or acknowledgement.

For example, “She felt hurt when her friends started to ignore her.”
In a conversation about communication issues, a person might say, “Ignoring someone’s messages is not a healthy way to handle conflicts.”
A person discussing workplace dynamics might mention, “Ignoring a coworker’s ideas can lead to resentment and hinder collaboration.”

16. Abandon

To abandon something means to leave it behind or give it up completely. It often implies a sense of desertion or neglect.

For example, “He abandoned his plans to start a business and decided to go back to school instead.”
In a relationship, one person might say to another, “I feel like you’ve abandoned me emotionally.”
A person might abandon a project or idea if they no longer believe in its potential.

17. Alienate

To alienate someone means to make them feel isolated or distant, usually as a result of one’s actions or behavior.

For instance, “His constant criticism of her choices only served to alienate her.”
In a group setting, someone might say, “We need to avoid behaviors that could alienate certain members.”
A person might feel alienated from their family or friends if they have different beliefs or values.

18. Disregard

To disregard something means to ignore or neglect it, often intentionally.

For example, “He disregarded the warning signs and continued with his risky behavior.”
In a conversation, one person might say, “Please don’t disregard my feelings; they are important to me.”
A person might disregard a rule or law if they don’t believe it applies to them.

19. Push back

To push back means to resist or oppose something, often in response to pressure or demands.

For instance, “The employees pushed back against the proposed changes to their work schedule.”
In a debate or argument, one person might say, “I understand your point, but I have to push back and offer a different perspective.”
A person might push back against societal norms or expectations if they feel they are unjust.

20. Drive away

To drive away means to force someone or something to leave a place or situation.

For example, “The loud noise drove away the birds from the trees.”
In a relationship, one person might say, “Your constant negativity is driving me away.”
A person might drive away potential customers or clients if they are not satisfied with the service or product.

21. Distance oneself

This phrase is used to describe the act of intentionally creating distance or separation from someone or something. It implies a desire to keep a certain level of emotional or physical distance.

For example, “After the breakup, she decided to distance herself from her ex-boyfriend.”
In a professional setting, someone might say, “I need to distance myself from the office drama.”
When dealing with a toxic friend, one might choose to distance themselves by saying, “I have to distance myself from their negative influence.”

22. Turn away

This phrase refers to the act of deliberately refusing to engage or interact with someone or something. It implies a decision to reject or ignore a person or situation.

For instance, “When he started spreading rumors, I had to turn away from him.”
In a confrontational situation, one might say, “I had to turn away and walk out to avoid escalating the argument.”
When faced with a tempting offer, someone might turn away by saying, “I had to turn away from the easy money and choose a more ethical path.”

23. Avoid

This word is commonly used to describe the act of staying away from someone or something, or taking measures to prevent a specific situation from happening.

For example, “I try to avoid him at all costs because he always causes trouble.”
When discussing a fear or phobia, one might say, “I avoid spiders at all costs.”
In a conversation about healthy eating, someone might mention, “I avoid processed foods and stick to whole, natural ingredients.”

24. Cast aside

This phrase is used to describe the act of rejecting or dismissing someone or something, often with a sense of disregard or indifference.

For instance, “She cast aside his apology and refused to forgive him.”
In a discussion about outdated technology, one might say, “We have cast aside floppy disks and moved on to more advanced storage methods.”
When talking about a failed project, someone might mention, “The company decided to cast aside the original plan and start from scratch.”

25. Keep at arm’s length

This phrase means to maintain a certain distance or avoid getting too involved with someone or something. It implies a desire to keep a level of emotional or physical separation.

For example, “She prefers to keep her colleagues at arm’s length and not get too personal.”
In a discussion about boundaries, one might say, “It’s important to keep toxic people at arm’s length.”
When advising a friend about a new relationship, someone might say, “Be cautious and keep your emotions at arm’s length until you know them better.”

26. Send packing

This phrase is used to describe the act of forcefully removing or dismissing someone from a place or situation. It can also imply rejecting or ending a relationship or association with someone.

For example, “After his disrespectful behavior, the boss sent him packing.”
In a discussion about ending a friendship, someone might say, “If they continue to betray your trust, it’s time to send them packing.”
A character in a novel might decide, “I can no longer tolerate the lies. It’s time to send him packing.”

27. Push to the curb

This phrase is used to describe the act of rejecting or abandoning someone, often in a harsh or abrupt manner. It implies pushing someone away and leaving them behind.

For instance, “After his dishonesty, she decided to push him to the curb.”
In a conversation about ending a romantic relationship, someone might say, “If they don’t treat you with respect, it’s time to push them to the curb.”
A friend might advise, “Don’t waste your time on people who push you to the curb. Surround yourself with those who appreciate you.”

28. Shut out

This phrase is used to describe the act of excluding or rejecting someone from a group or situation. It implies pushing someone away and not allowing them to be a part of something.

For example, “She felt shut out from the conversation when they ignored her input.”
In a discussion about a team project, someone might say, “We need to work together and not shut anyone out.”
A character in a movie might feel hurt and say, “They shut me out of their plans without any explanation.”

29. Give the boot

This phrase is used to describe the act of forcefully making someone leave or dismissing them from a place or position. It implies pushing someone away and ending their involvement.

For instance, “After his repeated lateness, the boss decided to give him the boot.”
In a conversation about dealing with a toxic friend, someone might say, “It’s time to give them the boot and prioritize your well-being.”
A character in a TV show might say, “If he doesn’t shape up, I’ll give him the boot from the team.”

30. Put distance between

This phrase is used to describe the act of creating distance or becoming distant from someone. It implies pushing someone away emotionally or physically.

For example, “After the argument, she decided to put some distance between them.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Sometimes you need to put distance between yourself and toxic relationships.”
A friend might advise, “If their negativity is affecting you, it’s important to put some distance between you and them.”