What does a person likely mean when they say "Stay away from me!"?

When someone says "Stay away from me!", it indicates a desire for physical space or distance from the person they are addressing. This expression often suggests that the speaker is uncomfortable, upset, or wants to be alone. The phrase communicates a clear boundary, emphasizing that they do not want to engage in any interaction at that moment. Therefore, the correct interpretation aligns with the notion of wanting distance, highlighting that the speaker is not seeking closeness or conversation.