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

• codependence
  noun
• codependency
  noun

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Get her a copy of Codependent No More by Melody Belittle and ask her to read it and discuss it with you.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2021

There are 12-step programs like CoDA and Al-Anon that address this, and there are books like Codependent No More that do as well.

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2018

You might think of this type as the Resisting Codependent — the one who fights, castigates and demands accountability.

From Salon • Jun. 24, 2017

Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same tells the story of a reticent, greetings card shop worker whounwittingly falls in love with a lesbian alien called Zoinx.

From The Guardian • Feb. 19, 2011

Women rush to her, clutching her best-selling Codependent No More, thrusting worn copies toward the author for an inscription.

From Time Magazine Archive