prosocial

adjective

pro·​so·​cial (ˌ)prō-ˈsō-shəl 

variants or pro-social

: intended to help or benefit another person or group

The capacity to notice the distress of others, and to be moved by it, can be a critical component of what is called prosocial behavior, actions that benefit others: individuals, groups or society as a whole.

—Perri Klass

This research implies that toddlers are wired for learning pro-social behaviors, and will develop them if they are modeled in the context of a supportive relationship.

—Heather Neal

… experiences such as abuse can also prohibit people from acting in prosocial ways.

—Alia E. Dastagir

also : relating to or promoting behavior that benefits others or society

a prosocial family/group

Prosocial emotions like empathy motivate us to benefit others in our group.

—Eoin O'Carroll

… quieting fear-related memories is apparently so potent in its prosocial effects—making people friendlier, more compassionate, even more loving—that it underscores how unchecked fear memories can make people antisocial and miserable.

—Scott A. Small

Examples of prosocial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reinforce prosocial behaviors, such as shrinking his carbon footprint, and ignore his attempts to make fascist hand gestures in his stroller. —Cora Frazier, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

The results highlighted an interesting trend: the children who grew up with a dog in their home exhibited more prosocial behaviors, such as sharing and cooperating, than those who did not have a dog. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

In 2025, a new wave of prosocial media platforms will finally start bridging the online divides, highlighting instead the common ground that unites us. —Audrey Tang, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

The Harris campaign has successfully mobilized their supporters to feel prosocial behaviors like joy and kindness. —Anu Gupta, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + social entry 1

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above