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

Example Sentences

For students too young to get the vaccine, the recommendation is to keep doing what you’ve been doing in school: wear masks and social distance.

From National Geographic Kids

One way mpox is spread is through very close contact and children “are always playing together. They don’t really care about social distance,” he tells the BBC.

From BBC

The woman had asked fellow workers at Cawdor Cars to social distance from her - as was recommended by officials - because she suffered from psoriatic arthritis and an autoimmune condition.

From BBC

Her adherence to science was evident from the early days of the pandemic as López Obrador defied social distance recommendations and toured the country — pressing the flesh with admirers, hugging and kissing supporters and urging his compatriots to keep eating in restaurants.

From Los Angeles Times

For students too young to get the vaccine, the recommendation is to keep doing what you’ve been doing in school: wear masks and social distance.

From National Geographic Kids