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
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
Concerns that co-sleeping creates separation anxiety are unfounded, according to Erickson.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
If the animal has a history of separation anxiety or unceasing nervousness even with these other interventions, any instances of sedatives need to be trialed before travel so both owner and pet can get used to the proper dosage and effects.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
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.
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
Concerns that co-sleeping creates separation anxiety are unfounded, according to Erickson.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
If the animal has a history of separation anxiety or unceasing nervousness even with these other interventions, any instances of sedatives need to be trialed before travel so both owner and pet can get used to the proper dosage and effects.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for separation anxiety
Cite this Entry
“Separation anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation%20anxiety. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share