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

• dependence
• dependance
• habit
• jones [slang]
• monkey

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

And there is nothing more cunning, more devious, more relentless, than the serpent of addiction. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

There are valid reasons to disclose your ex-husband’s history of addiction to your daughter. —Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2024

Nichols regrets disappointing his family who, for years, did not know about his addiction. —The Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2024

O’Neill is a reporter who covers new medical research and addiction. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2024

Wicks is competing against bills that would ask for billions in bond money to combat fentanyl addiction, address climate change and modernize school campuses. —Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 15 Apr. 2024

The beloved comedian struggled with drug addiction and died in December 1997 from an overdose at the age of 33. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024

Across the globe, demand for cocaine has soared as America’s addiction has been replicated in Europe and Latin America itself. —Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

Production kicked off in early 1995, which overlapped with Downey’s addiction struggles. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024

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

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)