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

Somewhat reluctantly, Wolf accepts the offer, establishing a codependent relationship that the book’s successive stories track across time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 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

At the risk of sounding codependent, there may come a time in the not-so-distant future when you need help yourself.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 24, 2026

Writer-director Michael Shanks plays their discordant musical taste like a minor joke among all the major reasons why their codependent relationship has hit the skids.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025

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

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