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.
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 

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 21 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!