addiction

American  

[uh-dik-shuhn] / əˈdɪk ʃən /

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.

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addiction British  

/ əˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs

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addiction Scientific  

/ ə-dĭk′shən /

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.

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Sensitive Note

See addict.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overaddiction
  noun

Etymology

Origin of addiction

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

Explanation

An addiction is an abnormally strong craving for something, which can sometimes grow so strong you have trouble living without it. People will sometimes use the word addiction casually, like, "I have a major addiction to chocolate! Yummy!" But the word's true meaning is more serious, and refers to something that isn't so yummy, like an alcohol or drug addiction. When someone has an addiction to smoking, for example, they might not be able to stop smoking even if it causes them to get sick.

Example Sentences

“I was treated for love addiction. It’s a part of my journey. I had to start examining why I was looking for myself and happiness in a slew of people.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2023

“We haven’t solved addiction. We haven’t solved the mental health crisis. We have to continue to do so much more,” he said.

From Washington Post • Nov. 11, 2022

“Acting had become like this terrible addiction. I felt I needed to give it five years and see where it took me.”

From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2020

“I write based on a current set of obsessions and preoccupations—basically out of compulsion. It’s not a plan. It’s more like an addiction. It just isn’t really in my control.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2018

“It starts licking before it get the reward—that’s the sign of addiction. We can now create reward anticipation entirely with virtual images,” Mehta says.

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2017