intimacy

American  

[in-tuh-muh-see] / ˈɪn tə mə si /

noun

PLURAL

intimacies

1. the state of being intimate.

2. a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.

   Synonyms:

   affection , warmth , familiarity , closeness

3. a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of a place, subject, period of history, etc..

   an intimacy with Japan.

4. an act or expression serving as a token of familiarity, affection, or the like.

   to allow the intimacy of using first names.

5. an amorously familiar act; liberty.

6. sexual intercourse.

7. the quality of being comfortable, warm, or familiar.

   the intimacy of the room.

8. privacy, especially as suitable to the telling of a secret.

   in the intimacy of his studio.

---

intimacy British  

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

2. euphemistic  (often plural) sexual relations

---

Etymology

Origin of intimacy

First recorded in 1635–45; intim(ate) ¹ + -acy

Example Sentences

The loss of their son creates an inevitable break in their intimacy.

From Salon

With Mr. Jesso’s voice, we mostly hear potential, though the fragile intimacy of his delivery does have a certain homemade charm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their film wrecks audiences with its exploration of romantic intimacy, grief and the inner lives of artists.

From Los Angeles Times

A bit over nine feet high, and hung more than a foot off the floor, the object suggests architectural scale without sacrificing an element of intimacy, which invites a viewer to engage in close examination.

From Los Angeles Times

These are all accomplished, beautiful works, but what stands out about Fra Angelico’s painting is its focus on the two main figures, and the intimacy and intensity of their exchange.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• affection
• confidence
• confidentiality
• familiarity
• friendship
• understanding