Distancing
/ˈdɪstənsɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of keeping oneself or others at a distance; the creation of space between individuals or objects.
/ˈdɪstənsɪŋ/
The act or process of moving away or creating space.
The new policy emphasized social distancing.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're at the playground and want to play, but maybe you're not quite ready to get super close. You're creating a little space, right? That's distancing!
👶 For kids: When you're keeping a space between you and something else.
More Examples
She felt a need for emotional distancing after the argument.
The artist's style incorporated a sense of distancing from realism.
How It's Used
"Social distancing guidelines were implemented during the pandemic."
"The runner maintained a comfortable distancing from the pack."
The act of keeping someone or something at a distance, either physically or emotionally; to separate or withdraw.
/ˈdɪstənsɪŋ/
To create physical or emotional separation.
The company is distancing itself from the controversial statements made by its CEO.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're feeling a little shy at a party. Distancing yourself might mean standing away from the main group, so you can feel more comfortable! Or, during COVID, you can think about how we kept a 'distance' from other people.
👶 For kids: To make a space between yourself and someone or something.
More Examples
She felt he was distancing himself emotionally after the argument.
The government urged citizens to practice social distancing.
How It's Used
"He was distancing himself from his family after their disapproval."
"During the pandemic, people practiced social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
social distancing
The practice of maintaining a physical space between oneself and others, especially to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
"During the pandemic, social distancing was crucial to slow the spread of the virus."
emotional distancing
The act of creating emotional space between oneself and another person or situation.
"He practiced emotional distancing to cope with the loss."
From Middle English *distancen*, from Old French *destancer* (“to separate, remove”), from *destance* (“distance”). The -ing suffix creates the present participle and gerund form.
The term gained increased use and emphasis during the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health measure.
Memory tip
Think of 'distance' and add -ing to remember it's the *act* of creating space.
Word Origin
"to separate, remove"