addictive

[ uh-dik-tiv ]

adjective

1. ad·dict·ing []. producing or tending to cause addiction:

   an addictive drug.

2. more than normally susceptible to addiction:

   an addictive personality.

addictive

/ əˈdɪktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or causing addiction

Derived Forms

• adˈdictiveness, noun

Other Words From

• ad·dic·tive·ness noun
• non·ad·dic·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of addictive¹

First recorded in 1935–40; addict + -ive

Example Sentences

He told lawmakers that the company "took a page from Big Tobacco's playbook, working to make our offering addictive at the outset" and arguing that his former employer has been hugely detrimental to society.

From Ars Technica

Today Purdue is the target of thousands of lawsuits, charged with having downplayed the addictive nature of OxyContin.

From Freakonomics

We’re just providing them with information that this is an opioid, it’s addictive, it’s dangerous, you should bring it back.

From Freakonomics

While none of these new drugs proved to be non-addictive, they did become very useful in the medical management of acute pain.

From Freakonomics

Oxycontin was a time-released version of oxycodone that Purdue aggressively marketed to the medical community, saying it “might” be less addictive than other opioids.

From Freakonomics

It remains a Schedule I narcotic to this day, considered as dangerous and addictive by the federal government as heroin and MDMA.

From The Daily Beast

The Flash is the latest addictive series from Berlanti, who serves as showrunner with Kreisberg.

From The Daily Beast

The celebrity scandals became addictive to both the reporters and the readers.

From The Daily Beast

The show is as precisely plotted as a soap opera and beautifully lit; entirely, fatally addictive.

From The Daily Beast

The best part, says Ansel, is the “utterly addictive” whipped honey brown butter served in a dish alongside.

From The Daily Beast

Free and fun -- addictive social games with lots of cool people playing them from all over the world.

From Project Gutenberg

The drugs students are taking today are more potent, more dangerous, and more addictive than ever.

From Project Gutenberg

Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within 10 seconds.

From Project Gutenberg

He should have reasoned that out long ago; he should have realized it was impossible to have immunity to an addictive drug.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• obsessive