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.

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intimacy British  

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

2. euphemistic (often plural) sexual relations

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Etymology

Origin of intimacy

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

Example Sentences

At moments, poignant domestic intimacies such as cooking and bathing threaten to break the detente and let in some emotion.

From The Wall Street Journal

I was also struck by its startling intimacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Subtly, though, this introduces a new move to their repertoire: honest intimacy.

From Salon

When all experience is shared by a hive mind, what are the rules, including about intimacy?

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the reasons I love food gifts at the holidays is that they’re remarkably flexible when it comes to intimacy.

From Salon

Related Words

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