addiction
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ad·dic·tion

noun \ə-ˈdik-shən, a-\

Definition of ADDICTION

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

Examples of ADDICTION

  1. He has a drug addiction.
  2. His life has been ruined by heroin addiction.
  3. He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.

First Known Use of ADDICTION

1599

Related to ADDICTION

Other Drug/Tobacco Terms

controlled, flake, herb, key, sodden

ad·dic·tion

noun \ə-ˈdik-shən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ADDICTION

: compulsive physiological 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 physically, psychologically, or socially harmful—compare habituation

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