social distance

noun

1

: the degree of acceptance or rejection of social interaction between individuals and especially those belonging to different social groups (such as those based on race, ethnicity, class, or gender)

There is a very large body of sociological research showing that a lessening of social distance among groups typically decreases prejudice and improves the ability to understand the concerns of the "other."

—Jean Reith Schroedel

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an elective psychiatric course with outcomes designed to target stigmatization and dispel myths could reduce student social distance toward patients with severe mental illness.

—Bethany A. Dipaula et al.

2

medical : the avoidance of close contact with other people during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection

If this year's … flu becomes more severe, additional steps may be taken to prevent spread of the virus. These include finding ways to increase social distance in classrooms, or holding outdoor classes, and utilizing distance learning methods.

—Debra Winters

'Saturday Night Live' host Daniel Craig and Kate McKinnon had fun with maintaining 'social distance' and spraying antiseptic in a sketch about soap opera love in the coronavirus era.

—Mary Papenfuss

compare physical distance

Examples of social distance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The seasonal igloos were first introduced during the pandemic as a safe way to social distance. —Laura Barrero, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024

Use hand sanitizer, try to social distance and wash hands as needed, experts advise. —Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024

This dynamic was a big reason Covid death rates so dramatically diverged between Republicans and Democrats: Party affiliation determined people’s willingness to get vaccinated, wear masks, social distance, and take other preventive measures, says Oberlander. —Keren Landman, Vox, 27 Nov. 2024

In general, 2020 is considered an outlier because of accommodation efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic to social distance and keep vulnerable populations out of contact with the general public. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024

Do not put a mask on kids under 2 years old, but do help them social distance from others, and wash their hands. —Jaina Grey, WIRED, 11 Oct. 2020

The hotel environment creates social distance, and everyone wears a kind of armor. —Ben Croll, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024

Read more 13 Best Dating Sites to Find Love (Even In Quarantine) Find love from a responsible social distance. —Serena Coady, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024

Enter telemedicine for mental health support, uncounted vacation days, flexible workweeks, and special touches —everything from scavenger hunts to social distance lunches. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1