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

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

However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. —Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024

The semi-autobiographical show follows Martin falling in love with shy teacher George (Charlotte Ritchie), but their romance is complicated by addiction, past trauma, late-in-life coming out, and family. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2024

The issue of addiction and substance abuse especially resonates with Etheridge as her 21-year-old son, Beckett Cypher, died in 2020, a victim of the opioid crisis. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2024

Most of you are aware that the right-wingers have seized on highly troubling scenes of poverty, mental illness, addiction and despair as proof that Democratic policies — largely criminal justice reform — have failed, endangering public safety. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

Rather than fostering an addiction to the online realm, the album aims to immerse its audience in the offline world. —Billboard China, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024

While most workers have intellectual disabilities that can include cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, federal regulations list blindness, alcoholism and drug addiction as qualifying disabilities for lower pay. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024

Another issue with higher strength products is the potential for developing cannabis use disorder, or an addiction to marijuana. —Patrick Martin, NBC News, 4 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)