separation anxiety

noun

: a form of anxiety experienced by a young child and caused by separation from a significant nurturant figure and typically a parent or from familiar surroundings

Examples of separation anxiety in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Boredom, loneliness, or stress—often caused by separation anxiety or loud noises—can prompt this behavior as a form of self-soothing. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety – extreme fear of being left alone by their owner. Rachel Blaser, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2025 Little ones, on the other hand, may express their trauma as separation anxiety and, understandably, a strong desire to not return to school. Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024 Like dogs, cats can also experience separation anxiety. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for separation anxiety

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separation anxiety was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Separation anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation%20anxiety. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

separation anxiety

noun
: a form of anxiety that is caused by separation from a significant nurturant figure and typically a parent or from familiar surroundings and that has an onset during childhood or sometimes adolescence

More from Merriam-Webster on separation anxiety

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