Definition of dependence
1 : the quality or state of being dependent; especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
3 : one that is relied on
4a : drug addiction developed a dependence on painkillersb : habituation 2b
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Examples of dependence in a Sentence
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
15th Century
First Known Use of dependence
15th century
DEPENDENCE Defined for English Language Learners
dependence
playDefinition of dependence for English Language Learners
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: the state of needing something or someone else for support, help, etc.
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: the state of being addicted to alcohol or a drug
DEPENDENCE Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
dependence
playMedical Definition of dependence
1: the quality or state of being dependent upon or unduly subject to the influence of another
2a: drug addictionb: habituation 2b
Learn More about dependence
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dependence Spanish Central: Translation of dependence Nglish: Translation of dependence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dependence for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dependence
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