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
They are individually haunted by grief and addiction, unable to really be what each other needs.
—Hattie Williams
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
That none of its victims died provides a glimmer of hope that the scourge of addiction has emerged from the shadows of society.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2025
Moreover, economic struggles contribute to mental health issues, deaths of despair and profound problems such as addiction, including tobacco, alcohol and opioid abuse.
—Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Her behavior never rose to addiction territory like Felix’s had, but there was clearly a problem at least for a little while.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
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Hattie Williams
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
That none of its victims died provides a glimmer of hope that the scourge of addiction has emerged from the shadows of society.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2025
Moreover, economic struggles contribute to mental health issues, deaths of despair and profound problems such as addiction, including tobacco, alcohol and opioid abuse.
—Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Her behavior never rose to addiction territory like Felix’s had, but there was clearly a problem at least for a little while.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 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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