Synonyms

addicted

American

[uh-dik-tid] / əˈdɪk tɪd /

adjective

compulsively committed or helplessly drawn to a practice or habit or to something psychologically or physically habit-forming (often used in combination).

an intensive program for opioid-addicted physicians.

Sensitive Note

See addict.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of addicted

First recorded in 1550–60; addict + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because they are shielded from the $15,000-a-car global competitors that are modernizing fleets in Europe and Asia, automakers have become addicted to a narrow, affluent demographic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

People spend a lot of time scrolling through videos on social media, addicted to their phones instead of interacting with their friends and family.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

In a California case, lawyers argued that Instagram and YouTube designed features meant to get their client, a young woman identified as KGM, addicted to social media, including infinite scroll, autoplay, and incessant notifications.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Social-media companies build their products to keep kids addicted at all costs.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

I’m addicted to the new wraps they have on their good-for-you menu, with the grapes in them, but I always get a chocolate shake, so it’s not like I’m trying to be healthy or anything.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023