proxemics

noun

prox·​e·​mics präk-ˈsē-miks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: the study of the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals naturally maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and of how this separation relates to environmental and cultural factors

proxemic

präk-ˈsē-mik 

adjective

Examples of proxemics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giusti says much of the research is based on proxemics, the study of how people use space around them to mediate social interactions. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 1 Mar. 2022

March’s program will also educate the viewer about the benefits of kinesics (body movement in nonverbal communication), proxemics (proper body spacing in communication), and haptics (the study of touching in nonverbal communication). —Hank Beckman, chicagotribune.com, 28 Feb. 2022

Kasper studies proxemics, the science of how much space people need between each other to feel comfortable. —Steven Litt, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

proximity + -emics (as in phonemics)

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

proxemics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

prox·​e·​mics präk-ˈsē-miks 

: the study of the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals naturally maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and of how this separation relates to environmental and cultural factors

proxemic

-mik 

adjective