codependence

• a word derived from codependency.
  codependency

  noun

  an emotionally maladaptive pattern of behavior in which two people are overly reliant on one another, particularly in contexts where one person requires a high degree of support and the other feels defined by the support they give: the relationship between two such individuals.
• a word derived from codependent.
  codependent

  adjective

  of or relating to a relationship in which one person is physically or psychologically addicted, as to alcohol or gambling, and the other person is psychologically dependent on the first in an unhealthy way.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

codependence

Your prenup preserves your financial independence, but it doesn’t deal with your emotional codependence — that takes work on both your parts.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

It’s a reminder that what often looks like dominance in the global economy may instead be symptomatic of a pathological codependence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025

How does ancient philosophy squeeze into a gooey metaphor for codependence?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2025

So, too, in cooking for other people, could I supply that nurture, that codependence.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2022

Before long, the two embark on a furtive relationship based on support, guidance, control and codependence.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 3, 2022

More Suggestions

• co-dependency
• Independence
• codependent
• dependence
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• condescendence
• Independency
• dependency
• independency