habit-forming

adjective

hab·​it-form·​ing ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Examples of habit-forming in a Sentence

warned the patient to be careful, because morphine can be habit-forming
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 label also now no longer includes sugar as an example of habit-forming substances. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 This week, social media users are sounding the alarm about the product, which some describe as habit-forming and detrimental to their health. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2025 The label also warns that the product can become habit-forming and recommends that people who have a history of substance abuse consider not consuming the product. Claretta Bellamy, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2025 They are bound to be unaware of their habit-forming training, which is simply a consequence of their working routinely with AI. Unsettling, for sure. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habit-forming was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit-forming. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: causing an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Medical Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller

More from Merriam-Webster on habit-forming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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