codependent

American  

[koh-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌkoʊ dɪˈpɛn dənt /

adjective

1. 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.

---

noun

1. one who is codependent or in a codependent relationship.

Other Word Forms

• codependence
  noun
• codependency
  noun

---

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

codependent

Could there be a place where Joan and Jean don’t have to sacrifice their codependent sisterly bond to enjoy life’s pleasures?

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

They are the diametrical opposites of Angela and Joe: calm and free, while their downstairs neighbors are neurotic and toxically codependent.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

Most videos go viral quickly after posting, as comment sections get flooded with girlfriends everywhere confessing their codependent tendencies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026

When people have financial difficulties, they can become codependent — but that’s not your codependency, it’s his, and it takes two people to form an unhealthy bond.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 21, 2026

Maybe I'm codependent and I've replaced my mother with Ron.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---