anxiety disorder

noun

: any of various disorders (such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, a phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder) in which anxiety is a predominant feature

called also anxiety neurosis, anxiety state

Examples of anxiety disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs such as Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft, target a range of depressive and anxiety disorders. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Postpartum depression or distress is an umbrella term for the mood and anxiety disorders that can follow childbirth. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Currently, training is required to cover concerns specific to young athletes such as anxiety disorders, depression and suicide prevention. — Erin Harrop, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 Altered nervous system function has been linked to many different psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. — Donnisa Edmonds, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anxiety disorder

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anxiety disorder was in 1970

Rhymes for anxiety disorder

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Browse Nearby Words

anxiety attack
anxiety disorder
anxiety neurosis
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Cite this Entry

“Anxiety disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiety%20disorder. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

anxiety disorder

noun
: any of various disorders (as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, a phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder) in which anxiety is a predominant feature

called also anxiety neurosis, anxiety state

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