social distancing

American  

[soh-shuhl dis-tuhn-sing] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈdɪs tən sɪŋ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• social distance verb (used with or without object)
• social-distance verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of social distancing

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

The UK was first declared measles-free in 2017, but lost the status two years later, before regaining it after spread of the virus was almost halted completely in 2021 - although that was mainly because social distancing during the pandemic.

From BBC

When they reopened, many individual courtrooms could not be used for trials because they were too small to comply with social distancing requirements.

From BBC

The previous valuation was taken in 2021, at the height of Covid lockdowns, social distancing and pubs losing money hand over fist.

From BBC

Cremer explains, "Adult ants that approach death leave the nest to die outside the colony. Similarly, workers that have been exposed to fungal spores practice social distancing."

From Science Daily

Hancock, who resigned from the health role in June 2021 after breaching social distancing guidance by kissing a colleague and did not stand for re-election at last year's election, is also yet to respond to the report.

From BBC