separation anxiety

noun

1. the normal fear and apprehension expressed by infants when removed from their mothers or approached by strangers.
2. any similar reaction in later life caused by separation from familiar surroundings or close friends or family.

noun

1. psychoanal a state of distress felt at the prospect of being separated from a familiar or beloved person

n.

1. A child’s apprehension or fear associated with his or her separation from a parent or other significant person.