social distance

[ soh-shuhl dis-tuhns ]

noun

1. Sociology. the extent to which individuals or groups are removed from or excluded from participating in one another's lives.
2. a safe or appropriate distance or amount of space between two people or between people in a group: Stay at a social distance of a few feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

   Security concerns demand that officers maintain a social distance from inmates.

   Stay at a social distance of a few feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

verb (used without object)

, so·cial dis·tanced, so·cial dis·tanc·ing.

1. to maintain a safe or appropriate distance from other people, especially to slow the spread of a contagious illness or disease:

   Mom’s trying hard to social distance, though she misses her weekly Bingo game.

verb (used with object)

, so·cial dis·tanced, so·cial dis·tanc·ing.

1. to place or keep at a safe or appropriate distance from other people:

   We’ve been exposed to the flu, so we’re social distancing ourselves from friends and extended family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of social distance¹

First recorded in 1825–30