dégager

to clear

verb deh-gah-ZHEH Less Common

Also means

to release

Usage Note

Dégager means to free something from an obstruction, to clear a space, or to release (gas, heat). As an informal imperative dégage! means 'get out of here!' or 'scram!' The reflexive se dégager means to free oneself or (of a smell) to emanate. It comes from gage (pledge, security) with the prefix dé- suggesting removal.

Examples

"Dégage le passage pour les pompiers."

Natural Translation

Clear the way for the firefighters.

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