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.
Could this be attention-seeking behavior or separation anxiety? — Cathy M. Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Back-to-school anxiety is common and can stem from many causes, including separation anxiety, academic struggles, or social pressures. — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 12 July 2026 Excessive barking, destruction of furniture and accidents in the house may indicate separation anxiety. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Sundem says the simple ritual helped ease the separation anxiety, especially for her youngest daughter. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026 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

Rhymes for separation anxiety

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Browse Nearby Words

separation
separation anxiety
separation disk
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Cite this Entry

“Separation anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation%20anxiety. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separation anxiety

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