physical distancing
noun
: the tendency to avoid close contact with others
Body language exposes our relationship to others. There is the confident demeanor of the self-assured, the plodding gait of the downhearted and the physical distancing that characterizes fear.—
Marcia Manna
Marcia Manna… JFK was notable for his physical distancing—part of his immense, glamorous reserve. He hated crowds—of course, with good reason—while expertly playing them like a grand piano.—Robert Whitcomb
Robert Whitcomb
specifically, medical
: the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical space between oneself and other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection : social distancing
The main thing that we can all do, is what is called social distancing. I like to use the phrase 'physical distancing.' … Now you're going to be spending much more time in your house, spending time away from people … to limit transmission of the COVID virus. Physical distancing takes away the idea we can still talk to loved ones … —Adam Rosh
Adam Rosh The WHO added that they were now using the term "physical distancing" rather than "social distancing" to describe the importance of maintaining space between people in order to avoid the spread of the virus. —Manon Dark
Manon Dark Additionally, Kroger will begin implementing new physical distancing measures to help enhance customer and associate safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Tuesday, Kroger stores are limiting customers to 50% of building code capacity. —WRDW.com
WRDW.com Examples of physical distancing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although some countries weathered the early stages of the pandemic by quickly applying and then sustaining effective travel measures, the most successful ones also rapidly implemented local testing and contact-tracing programs, as well as physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.
—Kelley Lee, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2021
Masking and physical distancing disrupted the normal cycles of many respiratory illnesses, including common colds, RSV and flu.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024
Masking, physical distancing, handwashing and improving airflow can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, the CDC says, and testing early in the course of an illness can help ensure that those who need treatment – such as Paxlovid for Covid-19 and Tamiflu for influenza – can get it.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024
In the early stages of the pandemic, the virus’s devastating impact on the poor in the United States led many—including us—to predict disaster in the developing world, where poverty and overcrowding prevail and where physical distancing is rarely feasible.
—Robert Malley, Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2020
Disney says this is to accommodate physical distancing.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Rather, the numbers illustrate a rebound effect: Deaths from non-Covid viruses fell drastically due to masking and physical distancing during the first phase of the pandemic.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2023
Despite the absence of stringent regulations, Swedes opted to cancel events like birthday parties, adopted remote working, and practiced physical distancing.
—Lars Jonung, National Review, 21 Sep. 2023
The district relies on other mitigation strategies, such as physical distancing.
—Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023
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Kelley Lee, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2021
Masking and physical distancing disrupted the normal cycles of many respiratory illnesses, including common colds, RSV and flu.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024
Masking, physical distancing, handwashing and improving airflow can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, the CDC says, and testing early in the course of an illness can help ensure that those who need treatment – such as Paxlovid for Covid-19 and Tamiflu for influenza – can get it.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024
In the early stages of the pandemic, the virus’s devastating impact on the poor in the United States led many—including us—to predict disaster in the developing world, where poverty and overcrowding prevail and where physical distancing is rarely feasible.
—Robert Malley, Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2020
Disney says this is to accommodate physical distancing.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Rather, the numbers illustrate a rebound effect: Deaths from non-Covid viruses fell drastically due to masking and physical distancing during the first phase of the pandemic.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2023
Despite the absence of stringent regulations, Swedes opted to cancel events like birthday parties, adopted remote working, and practiced physical distancing.
—Lars Jonung, National Review, 21 Sep. 2023
The district relies on other mitigation strategies, such as physical distancing.
—Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023
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Dictionary Entries Near physical distancing
Cite this Entry
“Physical distancing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20distancing. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
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