French Conversation · Level 50
74 words
French word
dégager
Pronunciation
IPA/degaʒe/
Meaning
- verbremove
Example
Il faut dégager la neige devant la porte.
The snow in front of the door needs to be removed.
More examples
Veuillez dégager la voie pour l'ambulance.
Please clear the way for the ambulance.
Core concept
A pressure or obstruction is cleared, leaving room for movement or allowing an impression to emerge.
Common phrases
dégager la voie
clear the way
dégager un passage
clear a passage
dégager la neige
clear the snow
Similar words
enlever: Take an object away from where it is.
retirer: Remove an object from its original position.
débarrasser: Get rid of unwanted things by clearing them away.
libérer: Release a person or object from something holding it.
Definition in French
Retirer un obstacle ou une contrainte pour rendre libre un espace ou une personne ; peut aussi signifier se libérer (se dégager de) et laisser émaner une impression.
Word origin
The verb developed in Old French from de- and gage, meaning a pledge, with the original idea of releasing something held as security before broader physical and figurative uses.
Usage tips
- For the sense of giving off an impression or smell, French commonly uses se dégager, as in une odeur se dégage.