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.
Cobweb has worked hard to overcome his separation anxiety and settles down quickly with a little attention or a treat. Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025 Plush toys give dogs a sense of security, and are particularly helpful for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 Or perhaps, like in Honey's case, your pup suffers from separation anxiety and hates the fact that they're being forced to be apart from you, especially if they have been left alone at the vet before. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that some dogs feel a deep need to always be near their owners, which can stem from separation anxiety or simply their inherent personality traits. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 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 29 Apr. 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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