codependent

adjective

co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt 

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

But be careful not to slide into codependent tendencies. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2024

Fortunately, season three leans much harder on the former and evolves into a deeply satisfying season of television that finds fresh friction and insight within their codependent relationship. —Jen Chaney, Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 3 June 2024

Berto Fernández is excellent as Diana’s well-meaning but codependent husband, Dan. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024

To be codependent, according to some TikTok talking heads, advice columnists, celebrities, and mental-health advocates, is to care too much, try to control others, and be terrible with boundaries. —Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Medical Definition

codependent

adjective

co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt 

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