addicting

adjective

ad·​dict·​ing ə-ˈdik-tiŋ 

: causing addiction : addictive

a

: causing a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity

Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.

—Consumer Reports

b

: producing a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly

This relish is typically used as a topping for bruschetta …—but I find it so addicting I can simply eat spoonfuls from a bowl.

—Francisco J. Robert

Synonyms

• addictive
• habit-forming

Examples of addicting in a Sentence

cocaine is highly addicting

Recent Examples on the Web

And that in itself can become addicting for those who thrive on taking risks, Saltz said. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024

Pulling off a difficult maneuver well is such an addicting feeling. —Alex Badia, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

But its most enduring focus was using the 18th century medical model of intoxication as a disease to convince Americans that alcohol was an addicting poison, not an innocuous part of everyday life. —Elizabeth Marshall / Made By History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

And yet, this unexpectedly addicting appetizer disappeared quickly from the buffet table, and everyone was bestowing compliments on me. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of addict entry 2

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above