codependency

American  

[koh-di-pen-duhn-see] / ˌkoʊ dɪˈpɛn dən si /

noun

plural

codependencies

1. 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.

---

Other Word Forms

• codependence noun

Example Sentences

In her latest for Hulu, “Father,” Okatsuka makes a great case for codependency as she talks about living a tandem life with her husband Ryan, their choice not to have kids, the downside to having “a story,” and she also pulls back the pompoms on the dark side of cheerleading.

From Los Angeles Times

In his feature film, “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” Raiff played Andrew, whose mother was bipolar; like Hal, Andrew grew up quickly but stunted, has issues of codependency and hates being alone.

From Los Angeles Times

For years, my codependency and enmeshment kept me focused on making sure all my partner’s needs were met, so that, ideally, they might take care of me.

From Los Angeles Times

When you’re busy falling in love, it’s easy not to see the line between romance and codependency thinning.

From Salon

This is what codependency looks like.

From Slate