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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mary moved out, and the dog is having separation anxiety. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024 However, dogs left in there for too long may experience separation anxiety. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 She was diagnosed with separation anxiety and selective mutism. Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 1 July 2024 Some offices might provide dogs the benefit of offsetting separation anxiety or boredom—and may even provide healthy social stimulation and socialization. Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near separation anxiety

Cite this Entry

“Separation anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation%20anxiety. Accessed 7 Jan. 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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