cabin fever

NOUN

anxiety caused by living in isolation or indoors for a long period of time

Synonyms

WEAK

claustrophobia climbing the walls distress neurosis restlessness seasonal affective disorder temporary insanity winter blues

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And while I still believe that enjoying this season’s most prized produce items — raw and uncooked — is a great way to beat cabin fever, that doesn’t diminish the importance of indulgent, comfort meals.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Thanks to a monster snowstorm that hit the area, the family had been cooped up inside for several days — and cabin fever was setting in.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

The Staves: 'Bon Iver gave us cabin fever'

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

You could create whole playlists exploring an individual element of weather, or a particular season — including the months of cabin fever, when the garden may be mostly out of reach.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023

Square footage-wise, it feels smaller than our kitchen and dining area at home, so I’m guessing cabin fever is going to come on fast and strong.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed