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

The study grew out of a broader question about prosocial behavior—why some species help others and some don’t, says comparative ethologist and study co-author Melitta Csepregi, who studies animal behavior at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary. — Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

Even small acts of prosocial behavior, practiced consistently, accumulate into a meaningful uplift in well-being. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026

An exception is when the goal of provocative or controversial material is prosocial rather than selfish—to challenge discrimination and foster productive dialogue on social issues rather than to sensationalize or garner ratings and profit. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026

Positive reinforcement can encourage prosocial behaviors in kids, like sharing or following directions. — Amy Morin, Parents, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + social entry 1

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prosocial

• asocial
• unsocial
• antisocial
• biosocial
• homosocial
• psychosocial
• biopsychosocial
• social