social distancing

[ soh-shuhl dis-tuhn-sing ]

noun

1. the practice of maintaining a safe or appropriate physical distance from other people, or the measures taken to reduce close physical contact, especially to slow the spread of a contagious illness or disease:

   Health officials are recommending some kinds of social distancing, such as working from home and avoiding handshakes.

Other Words From

• so·cial dis·tance so·cial-dis·tance verb (used with or without object) social distanced or socialdistanced social distancing or socialdistancing

Word History and Origins

Origin of social distancing¹

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

Trying to celebrate a holiday while also practicing social distancing has become a tricky part of “the new normal” that we’re still becoming accustom to these days.

From Essence.com

In addition to the regular workload and normal issues that come with the tax season, staff members are dealing with coronavirus-related slowdowns as they contend with social distancing mandates.

From Washington Post

She cited one airport that estimated it had installed two miles of clear physical barriers, 500 hand sanitizing stations and 5,000 floor decals to remind travelers of the importance of social distancing.

From Washington Post

When individuals have a greater concern for others, they are more willing to follow hygienic practices and social distancing.

From Washington Post

Transporting people became illegal due to social distancing requirements, so Thomson and his partners had to come up with a creative solution, and they had to do it fast.

From Ozy