the length of the space between two points

I cycled the short distance home

you may have to walk long distances

the full length of a race

he claimed the 100 m title in only his second race over the distance

the avoidance of familiarity; reserve

a mix of warmth and distance makes a good neighbour

make (someone or something) far off or remote in position or nature

her mother wished to distance her from the rough village children

beat (a horse) by a distance