intimacy

[ in-tuh-muh-see ]

noun

, plural in·ti·ma·cies.

1. the state of being intimate.
2. a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.

   Synonyms: closeness, affection, warmth, familiarity

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

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship
2. euphemistic.
   often plural sexual relations

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimacy¹

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

Example Sentences

For example, when China banned TV shows depicting same-sex kissing or hand-holding in 2016, producers found they could use shots of eye contact between characters to communicate intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

In the latest in a growing list of these particular moments, the typically staid and reserved Martha Stewart was clearly not thrilled by the close proximity and intimacy with which Barrymore conducted a recent interview.

From Salon

Intimacy coordinators have unanimously elected to unionize under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

From Los Angeles Times

Intimacy coordinators are the professionals who help actors navigate scenes involving nudity, simulated sex and other sensitive scenarios on set.

From Los Angeles Times

“In these sobering times with looming threats to environmental protections and women’s equality, it is refreshing to see the entertainment industry’s recognition of intimacy coordinators and their important contribution to productions and to performers in intimate scenes,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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