plural addictions
1
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)
He has a drug addiction.
—often + toan addiction to pain medication
an addiction to playing the lottery
His life has been ruined by heroin addiction.
2
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something
He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.
—often + toShe has an addiction to mystery novels.
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/addiction. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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