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

For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025

And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low. —Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

But the tests also found methamphetamine in water at Imperial Beach at levels that other studies have shown are high enough for fish to develop an addiction and suffer withdrawal symptoms, Slade said. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025

People like Rosa, plagued by uncontrolled fentanyl craving – either awake or in dreams – are at high risk of leaving treatment and returning to addiction. —Lucinda Grande, The Conversation, 27 May 2025

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

Rhymes for addiction

• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• restriction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

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)