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.

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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

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

Well, this is going to sound like I’m so codependent on this person, but the person who planted the seed of sobriety in my head was Bob the Drag Queen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Allowing yourself to be guilted into signing a loan agreement is codependent behavior, and you and your husband need third-party intervention/mediation.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 21, 2026

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

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