Word: Anaclitic Depression
Definition: Anaclitic depression is a serious type of sadness that can happen to babies (infants) when they lose their mother or primary caregiver and do not receive enough love and care from someone else. It is a condition where the child feels very sad and may have trouble developing normally because of the lack of emotional support.
Usage Instructions: "Anaclitic depression" is a medical term, so it is usually used in discussions about psychology, child development, or caregiving. It is not a word you would typically use in everyday conversation unless you are discussing specific topics related to mental health or child care.
Example Sentence: "The researchers studied the effects of anaclitic depression on infants who were separated from their mothers for an extended period."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might find this term in academic articles or psychological studies that explore the emotional development of children, attachment theory, or the impact of neglect on mental health.
Word Variants: - "Anaclitic" (adjective) - relating to or characterized by reliance on another person for emotional support. - "Depression" (noun) - a broader term that describes a state of severe despondency and dejection.
Different Meaning: While "anaclitic depression" specifically refers to infants, "depression" can refer to various types of sadness or mental health issues that can affect people of all ages.
Synonyms: - Emotional withdrawal - Attachment disorder (in some contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "anaclitic depression," but related phrases might include: - "At a loss" (feeling confused or sad about a situation) - "In the dumps" (feeling very sad or depressed)
Summary: Anaclitic depression is a specific term used to describe a severe type of sadness experienced by infants who lack emotional support after losing their primary caregiver.