addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən 

a-

1

: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted

alcohol addiction

an addiction to prescription painkillers

drug addictions

gambling addiction

2

: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly

But those who know him well say he isn't driven by politics as much as his addiction to breaking news.

—Amanda Ripley

If we do not find the courage to kick our fossil fuel addiction and transition to clean energy, we will warm the atmosphere to the extent that areas typically covered in white all winter long could see only sporadic snow.

—Steven Nyman

Synonyms

• dependence
• dependance
• habit
• jones [slang]
• monkey

Examples of addiction in a Sentence

He has a drug addiction.

His life has been ruined by heroin addiction.

He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Echo Valley feels in need of an additional twist, or one fewer — to either commit to being foremost a drama about addiction or to go harder into the suspense, rather than ending up an awkward hybrid of the two. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 June 2025

Taylor has since revealed his cocaine addiction, as well as his diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD after years of struggling with his mental health. —Brianne Tracy, People.com, 11 June 2025

For decades, Wilson battled mental health issues and drug addiction. —Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

Jelly Roll overcame addiction and time in prison before catching the attention of other Tennessee artists and record labels. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inclination, bent," in part derivative of addict entry 2, in part borrowed from Latin addictiōn-, addictiō "adjudging (of disputed property), assignment of a debtor to the custody of his creditor," from addīcere "to assign (property), hand over, give up to" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at addict entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for addiction

• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən 

a-

: the quality or state of being addicted

especially : uncontrollable use of habit-forming drugs

Medical Definition

addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən 

: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted

alcohol addiction

an addiction to prescription painkillers

drug addictions

gambling addiction

Legal Definition

addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən 

: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)