intimacy

[in-tuh-muh-see]

noun

plural

intimacies 

1. the state of being intimate.

2. a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.

   Synonyms: affection, warmth, familiarity, closeness

3. a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of a place, subject, period of history, etc..

   an intimacy with Japan.

4. an act or expression serving as a token of familiarity, affection, or the like.

   to allow the intimacy of using first names.

5. an amorously familiar act; liberty.

6. sexual intercourse.

7. the quality of being comfortable, warm, or familiar.

   the intimacy of the room.

8. privacy, especially as suitable to the telling of a secret.

   in the intimacy of his studio.

intimacy

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

2. euphemistic,  (often plural) sexual relations

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimacy¹

First recorded in 1635–45; intim(ate) ¹ + -acy

Example Sentences

Nope, “Train Dreams” is here and there’s something about its poise and intimacy that makes it feel, finally, like Netflix has a big awards winner, provided viewers can get beyond Joel Edgerton’s bushy beard.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Lane described finding "the only place I could get, I guess, love and intimacy was from pornography" at the same time as feeling "heaps of guilt and shame"

From BBC

Baldwin held these romantic relationships in tantalizing suspension, his love affairs caught between the poles of desire and intimacy, the heat of passion and long-term commitment.

From Los Angeles Times

I wanted to make money without having to perform intimacy.

From Salon

Giddy, renegotiating the meaning of intimacy among friends can be so soothing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affection 
• confidence 
• confidentiality www.thesaurus.com
• familiarity 
• friendship 
• understanding