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.
Not the years battling post-traumatic stress disorder or addiction. Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 June 2025 In Twin Peaks, Deputy Chief Hawk and Sheriff Frank Truman—filling in for ailing brother Frank—work on following a lead phoned in by an ailing Log Lady, while Richard Horne, son of Audrey Horne and Cooper’s evil double, spiraling into depravity and addiction, kills a child in a hit-and-run. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025 In addition to schooling, job training, and addiction rehabilitation, Double R Ranch provides the unique opportunity for its residents to take care of goats, sheep, chickens and horses living on its 35 acres. Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a new bill that will invest $50 million into research on ibogaine, a drug that has shown promise for treating neurological conditions and opioid addiction. Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 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 Jun. 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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