addiction

American  

[uh-dik-shuhn] / əˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

addictions plural

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• addictions
  plural

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

See Examples For:

addiction addictions

Brazil on Friday made it mandatory for gambling advertisements to carry warnings about addiction and money loss, tightening regulations on a sector that has exploded in recent years, dragging many into debt.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

But these interactive tools must not "excessively cater to users, induce emotional dependence or addiction, and damage users' real interpersonal relationships", China's new rulebook says.

From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026

Many of the factors behind these deaths of despair, including addiction, poor diet and stress, also contribute to people spending more of their lives in ill health.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

“DEA and our law enforcement partners remain relentless in our pursuit of those who profit from addiction and violence. “

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

She’s telling me about Rambo’s addiction to Wonder Bread, a sure feline prediabetic indication, but I’m not listening.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Ask the average person what homelessness looks like in America, and the answer invariably involves urban encampments—people with severe mental disabilities or serious addictions living in tents and squalor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

At University College London, neuroscientist Dr Ravi Das has been trying to understand why some habits harden into addictions while others fade away.

From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2026

For people with compulsive disorders, addictions, or anxiety, these learned associations can become overly powerful.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 26, 2025

L’Belle-Tividad believes everyone has innate intuitive ability, but that the realities of contemporary life — a 9-to-5 job, screen addictions, long commutes — have dulled our senses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2025

They would file around the table, presenting their deficiencies, telling of their addictions, their cheating hearts.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides