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
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.
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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
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proxemics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
proximity + -emics (as in phonemics)
First Known Use
1963, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near proxemics
Cite this Entry
“Proxemics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proxemics. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on proxemics
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proxemics
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