dependence

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noun

Definition of DEPENDENCE

1

the quality or state of needing something or someone <a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs>

Synonyms dependency, reliance

Related Words reciprocity, relativity; confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust

Near Antonyms autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty (also sovranty)

Antonyms independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support

2

something or someone to which one looks for support <ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state>

Synonyms anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby

Related Words backbone, sinew(s), spine; right hand; bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden (also handmaid), prop, stay; anchorage, harbor, refuge

3

a physiological need for certain drugs <acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery>

Synonyms dependence (also dependance), habit, jones [slang], monkey

Related Words alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism; habituation, tolerance

Variants of DEPENDENCE

dependence also dependance