Proximate contact refers to a close or near physical approach or touching. The spelling of proximate is /ˈprɒksɪmət/, with emphasis on the second syllable. It is derived from the Latin word "proximatus", which means "nearest". The phonetic transcription shows that it is pronounced with a short "o" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable. The word contact is spelled /ˈkɒntækt/ in IPA and is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable followed by a short "o" sound.
Proximate contact refers to a legal concept that denotes a close or immediate physical interaction or connection between two persons or entities. It typically describes a situation in which there is direct physical contact or a strong potential for physical contact to occur or have occurred. This term is often used in various legal contexts, including personal injury law, torts, and criminal law.
In personal injury law, proximate contact is relevant when determining the liability of a defendant for injuries sustained by the plaintiff. It is necessary to establish proximate contact between the defendant's actions or negligence and the plaintiff's injuries to prove causation and attribute responsibility. For example, if a person's reckless driving causes a collision that injures another individual, the proximate contact between the negligent driver's actions and the victim's injuries strengthens the case against the driver.
Similarly, proximate contact is also crucial in the context of criminal law. It is necessary to demonstrate physical proximity or a strong potential for contact to establish crimes like assault or battery. Without proximate contact, it becomes challenging to establish the required elements of these offenses.
Overall, proximate contact pertains to the physical connection or close immediacy between individuals or entities and holds importance in various legal contexts to determine liability, causation, and the commission of certain crimes.
Touching of the adjacent surfaces of two teeth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "proximate contact" is not a word by itself but rather a combination of two distinct terms: "proximate" and "contact". Let's examine the etymology of each:
1. Proximate:
The word "proximate" originates from the Latin word "proximus", which means "nearest" or "next" in English. It is derived from the Latin prefix "pro-" meaning "close to" and the root word "-ximus" indicating "extreme". In English, "proximate" refers to something that is closest or nearest in proximity or time.
2. Contact:
The word "contact" comes from the Latin word "contactus", which is the past participle of "contingere". "Contingere" is a combination of the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and the verb "tangere" meaning "to touch".