codependent

adjective

co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt 

variants or less commonly co-dependent

1

psychology : participating in or exhibiting codependency

codependent behavior

a codependent relationship

The concept of "codependency" originally arose in describing the dynamics in relationships affected by addictions. The codependent individual was analogous to the "enabler" who takes responsibility for, minimizes the effects of, and overlooks the repercussions of the behavior of people who are in active addiction.

—Gina M. Sala

2

: mutually dependent

Dancing and hip hop are codependent: We can't have one without the other.

—Todd James

… the world's stock markets are interconnected and co-dependent. When one market quakes, others can tremble.

—Gregg Ip

codependent noun

or less commonly co-dependent

plural codependents also co-dependents

Sufferers become excessively dependent on other people's needs, particularly when those others are involved in a self-destructive addiction. In their desperation to save these people—to control their thoughts, actions and feelings—codependents may become as hooked on the addicts as the addicts are hooked on drugs and alcohol.

—J. D. Reed

Examples of codependent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike codependent relationships, truly healthy love is freeing, fulfilling, respectful and supportive—the only kind of love anyone deserves. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

How to stop being so codependent The good news, according to both therapists, is that there are ways to become more independent without having to drift apart—and an easy way to start is by showing yourself some love. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

Nico Hiraga and Kiernan Shipka star in the comedy as codependent best friends whose high school sweethearts are a buzzkill to their college lives. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024

Among alternative energy sources, hydrogen production remains codependent in the short-term on natural gas supplies. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Medical Definition

codependent

adjective

co·​de·​pen·​dent ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dənt 

variants also co-dependent

: participating in or exhibiting codependency

a codependent relationship

The co-dependent spouse, for example, derives a purpose in life from the alcoholic's need to have someone run the household, help hide the addiction from public view and clean up disasters.

—Michael Vincent Miller, The New York Times Book Review

codependent noun

also co-dependent

What makes chemical dependency a uniquely devastating illness is that the affected person not only suffers physically, but is morally, emotionally, and spiritually sick as well. Family and friends often become codependents and suffer, too.

—Peter D. Rogers, The Journal of the American Medical Association