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