codependent

adjective

co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce codependent (audio)
variants or less commonly co-dependent
1
psychology : participating in or exhibiting codependency
codependent behavior
a codependent relationship
The concept of "codependency" originally arose in describing the dynamics in relationships affected by addictions. The codependent individual was analogous to the "enabler" who takes responsibility for, minimizes the effects of, and overlooks the repercussions of the behavior of people who are in active addiction.Gina M. Sala
2
: mutually dependent
Dancing and hip hop are codependent: We can't have one without the other.Todd James
… the world's stock markets are interconnected and co-dependent. When one market quakes, others can tremble.Gregg Ip
codependent noun
or less commonly co-dependent
plural codependents also co-dependents
Sufferers become excessively dependent on other people's needs, particularly when those others are involved in a self-destructive addiction. In their desperation to save these people—to control their thoughts, actions and feelings—codependents may become as hooked on the addicts as the addicts are hooked on drugs and alcohol. J. D. Reed

Examples of codependent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The untitled series follows a group of codependent friends who reunite after some time apart, navigating how the separation, ambition, and new relationships have changed them. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The solar eclipse in Libra urges us to bring balance into our lives and relinquish codependent tendencies. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 1 Oct. 2024 The series follows a group of codependent friends who reunite after some time apart, navigating how the separation, ambition, and new relationships have changed them. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2024 Drawn into a codependent relationship, Thomas willingly offers his blood to Rhea in exchange for her companionship. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for codependent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'codependent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of codependent was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near codependent

Cite this Entry

“Codependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codependent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

codependent

adjective
co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce codependent (audio)
variants also co-dependent
: participating in or exhibiting codependency
a codependent relationship
The co-dependent spouse, for example, derives a purpose in life from the alcoholic's need to have someone run the household, help hide the addiction from public view and clean up disasters.Michael Vincent Miller, The New York Times Book Review
codependent noun
also co-dependent
What makes chemical dependency a uniquely devastating illness is that the affected person not only suffers physically, but is morally, emotionally, and spiritually sick as well. Family and friends often become codependents and suffer, too. Peter D. Rogers, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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