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

• dependance
• dependence
• habit
• tolerance

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

Lauren is far from alone in her struggle; There's a subreddit devoted to Feel Free addiction, r/QuittingFeelFree, and a larger community r/QuittingKratom, with more than 50,000 members. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

The pain and pleasure of revenge, in other words, were identical to the pain and pleasure associated with addiction. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Nitrous oxide powers whip cream canisters and sedates patients in dentists’ offices, but huffing it for fun can lead to addiction, injury and death. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025

Miller is a 6-foot-6, 360-pound comedian and advocate from Olympia, Wash., who has been sober for 15 years after years of addiction, homelessness and incarceration. —Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 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)