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codependent

American

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

adjective

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

one who is codependent or in a codependent relationship.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

Are these three subtitle terms — codependent, perfectionist, people-pleasing — interchangeable or interlinked?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026

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

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

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023