codependent

[ koh-di-pen-duhnt ]

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 Words From

• code·penden·cy code·pendence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of codependent¹

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

A codependent relationship “Facebook is in the business of small business,” wrote Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg last year when unveiling the company’s State of Small Business Report.

From Digiday

These are codependent people who defend Cruz because they think they are helping him.

From The Daily Beast

And when you tear asunder codependent organisms, trouble comes knocking.

From The Daily Beast

Or are they just pulling your chain with codependent demands?

From The Daily Beast

Mainly by extricating yourself from codependent dynamics with them.

From The Daily Beast

This phase can develop into an unhealthy, codependent relationship.

From The Daily Beast