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

Jones is now a patron for The Living Room - a charity which helps those suffering from addiction in Cardiff and Carmarthen.

From BBC

But the sudden arrival of Vince, who has a history of addiction, gambling and bad behavior, puts the siblings on a relentless spiral of mayhem and violence.

From Los Angeles Times

“I would never admit to the kind of ...” He can’t stop laughing. “... really horrible addiction I have.”

From Los Angeles Times

Homelessness and drug addiction also continue to plague portions of downtown.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 13,000 heroin and opioid deaths have been missed off official statistics in England and Wales, raising concerns about the impact on the government's approach to tackling addiction.

From BBC