physical distance
noun
medical
: a greater than usual physical separation between people during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection
Health professionals are urging the public to … stay home when sick and keep a physical distance between oneself and others to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus.—
The Norman Transcript (Norman, Oklahoma)
The Norman Transcript (Norman, Oklahoma)The models don't reveal how long Canadians will have to maintain physical distance, but they do indicate the measures will need to be in place "for a considerable amount of time," [Dr. Theresa] Tam said.—Samantha Beattie
compare social distance sense 2
Samantha BeattieExamples of physical distance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether through virtual homework help, exploring educational apps and websites, or engaging in educational games, these activities help bridge the physical distance and create meaningful, enriching experiences.
—Garrison Leykam, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2024
Additional strategies include masking and maintaining physical distance from people.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024
Also Read Justice Dazzle At New Venue Brooklyn Storehouse
Their physical distance is only partially responsible for why it’s taken Empire of the Sun eight years to release their fourth album, Ask That God.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 26 July 2024
The physical distance between these worlds was small, but the political distance was massive.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical distance 
Garrison Leykam, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2024
Additional strategies include masking and maintaining physical distance from people.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024
Also Read Justice Dazzle At New Venue Brooklyn Storehouse
Their physical distance is only partially responsible for why it’s taken Empire of the Sun eight years to release their fourth album, Ask That God.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 26 July 2024
The physical distance between these worlds was small, but the political distance was massive.
—Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical distance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical distance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Physical distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20distance. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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