separation anxiety

noun

Definition of separation anxiety

: 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

Your late sleeper becomes an early bird, your independent preschooler develops separation anxiety. Carrie Melago, Washington Post, "The unique horror of trimming a newborn’s nails (and the lesson it taught me about parenting)," 31 July 2019 Today’s feeders are more sophisticated and, in some cases like pet monitoring systems, now have the ability to record messages for your furry friends, helping to lift the spirits of a dog that suffers from separation anxiety or loneliness. Nicole Forsyth, The Mercury News, "Dollars and Pets: Automatic food dishes go high tech," 27 June 2019 Nonetheless, the Denver front office seems to suffer separation anxiety at the mere mention of life without Millsap. Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post, "Kiszla: With NBA championship race wide open, Nuggets’ big move in free agency will be … Paul Millsap? Are they nuts?," 26 June 2019 Some dogs, for example, experience separation anxiety when left home alone. Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, "What Science Says About Why You're Stressed and How to Cope," 21 June 2019 But while the appeal of a lighter, brighter wardrobe is undeniable, those of us still cowering under the security blanket of sheer sleeve, lightweight cardigans, or ankle-grazing skirts may feel a few fleeting pangs of sartorial separation anxiety. Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Where To Get The Best Spray Tan From Coast to Coast," 19 Apr. 2019 Meanwhile, veterinary providers and pet owners are paying increased attention to such problems as separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, phobias and aggression in pets. Nathaniel Morris, chicagotribune.com, "Does your pooch really need Prozac?," 1 May 2018 Meanwhile, veterinary providers and pet owners are paying increased attention to such problems as separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, phobias and aggression in pets. Nathaniel Morris, chicagotribune.com, "Does your pooch really need Prozac?," 1 May 2018 Meanwhile, veterinary providers and pet owners are paying increased attention to such problems as separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, phobias and aggression in pets. Nathaniel Morris, chicagotribune.com, "Does your pooch really need Prozac?," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'separation anxiety.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of separation anxiety

1943, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for separation anxiety

separation anxiety

noun

English Language Learners Definition of separation anxiety

: a feeling of strong fear and anxiety that is experienced by a young child when the child is separated from a parent

separation anxiety

noun

Medical Definition of separation anxiety

: 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