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.

IT’S no secret that America is addicted to oil.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Unless you’re a gambler addicted to risk-taking, you should avoid these stocks — if not sell them short.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

If you cannot fight FOMO, and you are one of those investors who remains addicted to action, options are a legitimate alternative to stocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 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

In Reggie’s case, it’s impossible to conclusively say he was addicted to technology.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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