The word "chase away" is spelled as /tʃeɪs əˈweɪ/. The initial sound is represented by the digraph "ch", which is pronounced as /tʃ/. The vowel sound in the first syllable is represented by the letter "a", pronounced as /eɪ/. The letter "s" in the second syllable is pronounced as /s/ and the vowel sound is represented by the letter "a", pronounced as /ə/. The final sound in "away" is represented by the letter "y" but pronounced as /weɪ/. This word is used to describe the act of making someone or something leave a particular place or situation.
The phrase "chase away" refers to the act of forcibly making someone or something leave a particular place or situation. It implies using force, persuasion, or another means to induce an individual or an object to depart or flee from a specific location or circumstance. This expression commonly connotes a sudden, urgent, or aggressive action taken to remove someone or something unwanted, undesirable, or hostile from a particular area.
When applied to people, "chase away" often describes the act of physically or metaphorically driving someone away, forcing them to leave a premises, residence, gathering, or any other environment. It can involve chasing someone off through intimidation, threats, or physically and actively pursuing them until they retreat.
Inanimate objects can also be chased away in certain contexts. For example, chasing away dark clouds refers to dispelling or dispersing clouds that are blocking sunlight or threatening rain. Additionally, figuratively speaking, emotional or psychological disturbances, worries, or fears can be chased away by engaging in activities, meditating, seeking support, or focusing on positive thoughts and actions.
Overall, "chase away" encapsulates a range of actions and intentions aimed at removing or expelling someone or something, reinforcing the idea of actively and forcibly driving them away from a particular location, event, condition, or state of mind.
The etymology of the phrase "chase away" can be traced back to the Middle English word "chasen", which means "to hunt" or "to pursue". This Middle English term finds its roots in the Old English word "cēsan", meaning "to seek, pursue, or hunt". Over time, the verb form "chase" evolved to encompass the act of driving someone or something away. Pairing it with the word "away" emphasizes the direction or distance involved in this action.