dependence

1 the quality or state of needing something or someone a baby's total dependence upon his or her parents for every one of life's needs Synonyms dependency, reliance Related Words reciprocity, relativity; confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust Near Antonyms autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty (also sovranty) Antonyms independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support

2 something or someone to which one looks for support ultimately rice became the chief dependence in that state Synonyms anchor, buttress, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby Related Words backbone, sinew(s), spine; right hand; bolsterer, crutch, handmaiden (also handmaid), prop, stay; anchorage, harbor, refuge

3 a physiological need for certain drugs acquired a dependence on prescription painkillers following back surgery Synonyms addiction (also dependance), habit, jones [slang], monkeyRelated Words alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism; habituation, tolerance