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
Sometimes when that foundation is not built, a child develops an anxious attachment, which can lead to challenging behavior like separation anxiety.
—
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Dogs with separation anxiety Puppies leaving the litter Small breeds who prefer warmth and cuddling
A plush donut bed with soft faux fur and supportive bolsters, ideal for anxious curlers who love to nest.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Bruno, the tiny Frenchie staring at me through the café’s window, suffered from extreme separation anxiety, I was told—which was impressive, given how quickly his owner separated from me.
—Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
About 89 percent of pet parents in New Hampshire felt travel separation anxiety was a key stressor.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 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.
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Dogs with separation anxiety Puppies leaving the litter Small breeds who prefer warmth and cuddling
A plush donut bed with soft faux fur and supportive bolsters, ideal for anxious curlers who love to nest.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Bruno, the tiny Frenchie staring at me through the café’s window, suffered from extreme separation anxiety, I was told—which was impressive, given how quickly his owner separated from me.
—Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
About 89 percent of pet parents in New Hampshire felt travel separation anxiety was a key stressor.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 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 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
