addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Measures are in place to help people struggling with addiction, such as fentanyl test strips and the use of Narcan to rescue a person currently overdosing on opioids. Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Kennedy described addiction as both a source of misery and a symptom of deeper pain, drawing from his own experience of trying to fill an emotional void with drugs. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Homelessness and addiction go hand in hand, and with the rise of the fentanyl epidemic, that crisis is more urgent than ever. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 Break your research addiction and push into action. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for addiction

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of addiction was circa 1532

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

addiction

noun
ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
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 How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)

More from Merriam-Webster on addiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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