codependent

American  

[koh-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌkoʊ dɪˈpɛn dənt /

adjective

1. of or relating to a relationship in which one person is physically or psychologically addicted, as to alcohol or gambling, and the other person is psychologically dependent on the first in an unhealthy way.

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noun

1. one who is codependent or in a codependent relationship.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• codependency
  noun
• codependence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Allowing yourself to be guilted into signing a loan agreement is codependent behavior, and you and your husband need third-party intervention/mediation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

Today, in the real 2025, knowing that people are developing serious and codependent attachments to chatbots, the story Jonze presents in Her is much, much more loaded and pervasive.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2025

"Objectively, the film is also a critique of a codependent relationship between a very perverse narcissist and a very vulnerable, echo personality," Szaniawski said of the dynamic between Jack and Wendy.

From Salon • Oct. 7, 2024

I rebuilt my life there, one day at a time, starting with the wounds and traumas that led me into a codependent relationship.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Maybe I'm codependent and I've replaced my mother with Ron.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King