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Definition of addiction

addiction

/əˈdɪk.ʃən/
ad · dic · tion
Adverb:addictively
•
Plural:addictions
•
Adjective:addictive
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addiction Lexical Profile

addiction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chronic medical condition characterized by a compulsive physiological or psychological dependence on a habit-forming substance or behavior, continuing despite harmful consequences.

Example

"The clinic offers specialized counseling and medical support for patients recovering from substance addiction."

2

An unusually strong, enthusiastic devotion to or preoccupation with a particular activity, interest, or pastime.

Example

"Her lighthearted addiction to mystery novels meant she visited the local library almost every afternoon."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for addiction

• Nearby Words

adder
addict
addicted
addiction
addictive
addictively
addictiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin 'addictio', meaning a formal awarding or handing over of a debtor to a creditor, derived from 'addicere' ('to assign, devote, or surrender'). In early modern English, it denoted a strong inclination or devotion before narrowing to compulsive physiological or psychological dependence.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Addiction. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/addiction
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