addiction

[uh-dik-shuhn]

noun

1. the state of being compulsively committed to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

addiction

1. A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.

2. See more at withdrawal

3. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.

Sensitive Note

See addict.

Other Word Forms

• overaddiction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of addiction¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin addictiōn- (stem of addictiō ) “a giving over, surrender”; addict, -ion

Example Sentences

However, I also see the medical side of an addiction.

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As an addiction psychiatrist and researcher with experience in treating eating disorders and obesity, I have been following the research in this field for the past few decades.

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However, her Olympic victory soon became tainted as the talented athlete—who was just 16 when she won her gold—grappled with alcohol addiction, entering a rehab facility in Connecticut in 1997.

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Ibogaine can be used as a powerful detox drug for people suffering from addiction.

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But in the end, every day would bring the same pain, the same guilt, and shame that would drive my addiction forward.

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