prosocial
adjective
pro·so·cial
(ˌ)prō-ˈsō-shəl
variants
or
: intended to help or benefit another person or group
The capacity to notice the distress of others, and to be moved by it, can be a critical component of what is called prosocial behavior, actions that benefit others: individuals, groups or society as a whole.—Perri Klass
This research implies that toddlers are wired for learning pro-social behaviors, and will develop them if they are modeled in the context of a supportive relationship.—Heather Neal
… experiences such as abuse can also prohibit people from acting in prosocial ways.—Alia E. Dastagir
also
: relating to or promoting behavior that benefits others or society
a prosocial family/group
Prosocial emotions like empathy motivate us to benefit others in our group. —Eoin O'Carroll
… quieting fear-related memories is apparently so potent in its prosocial effects—making people friendlier, more compassionate, even more loving—that it underscores how unchecked fear memories can make people antisocial and miserable. —Scott A. Small
Cite this Entry
“Prosocial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosocial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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