ichidan verb, transitive verb
Used when physically moving or holding something closer to another thing. In many everyday contexts, 近づける is the more broadly used synonym, but 近寄せる is natural when emphasizing drawing something near.
彼女はランプを机に近寄せて、本を読み始めた。
She brought the lamp closer to the desk and began reading.
子どもは虫かごに顔を近寄せた。
The child brought his face close to the insect cage.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
let someone come close; keep company with; associate with
Used with people or animals, often in negative expressions such as 誰も近寄せない or 悪い仲間を近寄せるな. It can mean literally letting someone approach, or figuratively allowing someone into one's circle or company.
警備員は見物人を現場に近寄せなかった。
The guards did not let onlookers come near the site.
あんな悪い仲間を子どもに近寄せてはいけない。
You must not let that kind of bad company near the child.
彼は簡単には人を近寄せない。
He does not easily let people get close to him.