Pushes away is a phrase that can be used in a variety of situations, but it generally refers to an action of creating distance or separation. There are several synonyms for pushes away including repels, discourages, alienates, rejects, expels, and ostracizes. Repel conveys the idea of a force that is pushing away, while discourage refers to a negative attitude or lack of motivation. Alienates suggests a loss of trust or connection, while expels and ostracizes imply an intentional act of excluding or banishing. Using these synonyms can provide a more nuanced and descriptive way of expressing the idea of pushing away, depending on the context.