addiction

noun

ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
a-
1
: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
alcohol addiction
an addiction to prescription painkillers
drug addictions
gambling addiction
2
: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
But those who know him well say he isn't driven by politics as much as his addiction to breaking news.Amanda Ripley
If we do not find the courage to kick our fossil fuel addiction and transition to clean energy, we will warm the atmosphere to the extent that areas typically covered in white all winter long could see only sporadic snow.Steven Nyman

Examples of addiction in a Sentence

He has a drug addiction. His life has been ruined by heroin addiction. He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.
Recent Examples on the Web Continue reading … 'IT’S A CRISIS' – Mom forms group to combat media addiction in children, teens. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 Along with her alcohol addiction, the ailments were chronicled in the film. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Burch, a nurse who works with people with opioid addictions, said her brother has been in and out of jail and treatment for opioid use disorder. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Before his death, Perry was vocal about his struggles with addiction and also open about his experiences with anxiety and depression. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Cigarettes trapped individual smokers with a biological addiction. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024 For the past eight years, Jackson and others have been working to reduce addiction on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin by reintroducing traditional Indigenous practices forgotten by many generations ago. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Prior to his death, Perry was outspoken about his struggle with addiction. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 The money made risking his life in the ring went to feed his addiction. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'addiction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "inclination, bent," in part derivative of addict entry 2, in part borrowed from Latin addictiōn-, addictiō "adjudging (of disputed property), assignment of a debtor to the custody of his creditor," from addīcere "to assign (property), hand over, give up to" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at addict entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1532, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of addiction was circa 1532

Dictionary Entries Near addiction

Cite this Entry

“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

addiction

noun
ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
a-
: the quality or state of being addicted
especially : uncontrollable use of habit-forming drugs

Medical Definition

addiction

noun
ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
alcohol addiction
an addiction to prescription painkillers
drug addictions
gambling addiction

Legal Definition

addiction

noun
ad·​dic·​tion ə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce addiction (audio)
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)

More from Merriam-Webster on addiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!