English Explanatory Dictionary

addiction

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.
  2. The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.
  3. A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.
  4. A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.

Pronunciation

/əˈdɪkˌʃən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-addiction.wav

Word forms

addiction addictions

Etymology

From addict + -ion; compare (Latin) addictio (“an adjudging, an award”).

Derived words

addiction-like addictionlike addictionology alcohol addiction antiaddiction cyberaddiction deaddiction drug addiction Internet addiction disorder multiaddiction multi-addiction overaddiction polyaddiction pseudoaddiction readdiction
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