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 of addiction

• dependence

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

After covering operating costs, proceeds from Fawn Bluff will go to the Homalco community to open an addiction counseling and recovery center — many suffer from generational trauma — as well as to support Homalco art and rituals. —Laura Dannen Redman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

The tension breaks when Angel has a meltdown at the club, forcing Rue to mercifully share the truth that Tish overdosed, sending Angel into an emotional spiral that descends into addiction. —Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026

And for a growing contingent inside and outside of Washington, there are concerns over fraud, insider trading and gambling addictions. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026

However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. —Don Sweeney april 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

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)