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
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
Your child is clingy and resistant to being separated
A child who fights being separated from their parents or who has extreme separation anxiety may have an anxious attachment, says Dr. Young.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
Your 1-year-old is very attached to you, and separation anxiety is a normal part of their development.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 30 Oct. 2024
Sign up Knightley's debut book, which tells the story of a young girl adjusting to life with her new sibling, explores themes of separation anxiety and resilience.
—Irenie Forshaw, theweek, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for separation anxiety 
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.
Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024
Your child is clingy and resistant to being separated
A child who fights being separated from their parents or who has extreme separation anxiety may have an anxious attachment, says Dr. Young.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
Your 1-year-old is very attached to you, and separation anxiety is a normal part of their development.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 30 Oct. 2024
Sign up Knightley's debut book, which tells the story of a young girl adjusting to life with her new sibling, explores themes of separation anxiety and resilience.
—Irenie Forshaw, theweek, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for separation anxiety
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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share