proxemics

noun

prox·​e·​mics präk-ˈsē-miks How to pronounce proxemics (audio)
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 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of proxemics was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near proxemics

Cite this Entry

“Proxemics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proxemics. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

proxemics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
prox·​e·​mics präk-ˈsē-miks How to pronounce proxemics (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on proxemics

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