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

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for separation anxiety

• antianxiety
• intersociety
• contrariety
• impropriety
• inebriety
• notoriety
• gaiety
• piety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• sobriety

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