addict

1 of 2

noun

ad·​dict ˈa-(ˌ)dikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
plural addicts
1
: one exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
a drug addict
opioid addicts
a gambling addict
2
: one strongly inclined to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
a television addict
chocolate addicts

addict

2 of 2

verb

ad·​dict ə-ˈdikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
addicted; addicting; addicts

transitive verb

: to cause addiction in (someone)
addicts … find it convenient to addict several other personsD. W. Maurer and V. H. Vogel
Hard-core fitness freaks are addicting themselves to all manner of hybrid mind/body activities …Rick Marin et al.
see also addicted, addicting

Examples of addict in a Sentence

Noun an inspiring story about addicts who seek help and manage to kick their habit science-fiction addicts who eagerly await each new installment in the series
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Early cinematic collaborations full of colorful characters like drug addicts and street hustlers include in 1965 Space and My Hustler, a year later with The Velvet Underground and Nico: A Symphony of Sound and San Diego Surf and Lonesome Cowboys in 1968. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024 Lamar Odom, who is a recovered addict and runs several recovery centers, told TMZ about the effects of the drug. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
On the face of it, the advantages seem evident - the freed up personal time, relieving driving stress, making the journey more productive and enhanced safety for drivers addicted to their cell phones. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Massachusetts is the latest state suing TikTok claiming the company designed its app to keep underage users addicted to the content. Steph Solis, Axios, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for addict 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of addict entry 2

Verb

earlier, "to give over, surrender, apply or devote (oneself) habitually," borrowed from Latin addictus, past participle of addīcere "to assign (property), make over, hand over, surrender," from ad- ad- + dīcere "to speak, say" — more at diction

First Known Use

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of addict was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near addict

Cite this Entry

“Addict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addict. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

addict

1 of 2 verb
ad·​dict ə-ˈdikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
1
: to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually
addicted to detective stories
2
: to cause to make a habit of using a drug
nicotine is addicting

addict

2 of 2 noun
ad·​dict ˈad-(ˌ)ikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
1
: one who is addicted (as to a drug)
2
: a person devoted to something
a TV addict

Medical Definition

addict

1 of 2 transitive verb
ad·​dict ə-ˈdikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
: to cause addiction in (someone)

addict

2 of 2 noun
ad·​dict ˈad-(ˌ)ikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
: one exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity
a drug addict
opioid addicts
a gambling addict

Legal Definition

addict

1 of 2 transitive verb
ad·​dict ə-ˈdikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
: to cause (a person) to become physiologically dependent upon a drug

addict

2 of 2 noun
ad·​dict ˈa-dikt How to pronounce addict (audio)
: one who is addicted to a drug

More from Merriam-Webster on addict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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