addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən 
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
Amanda RipleyIf 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
Steven NymanExamples 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
During the council’s final vote, several members shared their own stories of addiction and loss because of tobacco.
—Jodi Radke, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid has also emerged as a leading source of insurance coverage for addiction treatment and healthcare related to street drug recovery.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
The state agencies charged with addressing hard drug addiction and the safe use of cannabis are failing to educate the public as to the dangers of drug use.
—Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
The mom of four's comments on RHOBH, which was filmed from May 2024 to August 2024, comes after a source told PEOPLE that the family was at a loss with Kim's alcohol addiction in September of the same year.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
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Jodi Radke, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid has also emerged as a leading source of insurance coverage for addiction treatment and healthcare related to street drug recovery.
—Brian Mann, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025
The state agencies charged with addressing hard drug addiction and the safe use of cannabis are failing to educate the public as to the dangers of drug use.
—Howard Husock, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
The mom of four's comments on RHOBH, which was filmed from May 2024 to August 2024, comes after a source told PEOPLE that the family was at a loss with Kim's alcohol addiction in September of the same year.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən
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
: 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
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)
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