habit-forming

adjective

hab·​it-form·​ing ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Examples of habit-forming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studies have suggested that breakthroughs may be possible for people with challenging mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance addiction and treatment-resistant depression, without the habit-forming properties of some other drugs. Mike Baker, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2023 However, these medications may have safety, tolerance, and habit-forming concerns. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Sep. 2023 And some good news for habit-forming rookies: When solidifying a new behavior, missing a day or two doesn’t derail progress, according to a study by Wood. Lydia Wang, Women's Health, 12 July 2023 The compound has been reported to provide a milder high compared to Delta 9 THC but still possesses mind-altering properties that can be habit-forming over time. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2023 Phenobarbital, which is often used to treat epilepsy and seizures, and benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety, can be habit-forming. Riley Zhang, NBC News, 21 June 2023 Naloxone, which replaces opioids binding to receptors in the brain, is not habit-forming and is safe to use on people who are not overdosing. David Ovalle, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Apr. 2023 The park warns that the sensation is habit-forming, so those who try it should prepare for multiple rides. Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2023 Marketing materials say the product is no more habit-forming than sugar or caffeine. Brennon Dixson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habit-forming was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near habit-forming

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: causing an addiction
heroin is a habit-forming drug

Medical Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller

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