addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The heartbreaking story of Kade Webb’s addiction and overdose was featured last year on ESPN’s Outside the Lines program, depicting the two cousins growing up close in Northern California, and remaining that way even as Logan Webb’s baseball career took off. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Overwhelmingly across these decades the US turns to non-punitive harm reduction approaches to address drug use when the public face of addiction is White. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The drugs that came with surgery set her on course for a heroin addiction, which finally killed her. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2024 Minnelli entered rehab for substance abuse in 2015, and has been candid about her struggle against addiction in the time since. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for addiction 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of addiction was circa 1532

Dictionary Entries Near addiction

Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

addiction

noun
ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
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 How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)

More from Merriam-Webster on addiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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