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co-dependency

British  
/ ˌkəʊdɪˈpɛndənsɪ /

noun

  1. psychol a state of mutual dependence between two people, esp when one partner relies emotionally on supporting and caring for the other partner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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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.

“We both have this, like, dysphoric view of ourselves and what we can accomplish—and I think that’s part of the beautiful co-dependency of the friendship.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

And their relationship, a mix of co-dependency and scapegoating, has echoes of Alan Partridge and his assistant, Lynn.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2024

"By integrating a large set of rules concerning synaptic co-dependency into our network model, we provide a more holistic view on the mechanisms underlying brain plasticity," emphasizes Agnes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2024

That’s how my first episode of co-dependency with the A.I. came to an end.

From Slate • Oct. 28, 2023

Sibling co-dependency and onscreen birthing are taken to graphic, new levels in this superbly nefarious drama about the unhealthy bond between identical twin gynecologists and their daring quest to “change the way women birth, forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2023

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