Main Entry: ad·dic·tion

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈdik-shən, a-\

Function: noun

Date: 1599

1 : the quality or state of being addicted <addiction to reading>
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful