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
Tewes was fired due to her struggle with cocaine addiction, which only became public after the actress was already getting sober, Grady shared.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Raised by strangers due to his mother’s drug addiction, Guy has also struggled much of his life with hearing voices.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
For now, the burden largely falls on defendants — many still deep in addiction, many who are homeless — to find and secure treatment on their own.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Emerging data suggests that GLP-1 drugs could reshape addiction treatment, Bhagavathula pointed out.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
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Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Raised by strangers due to his mother’s drug addiction, Guy has also struggled much of his life with hearing voices.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
For now, the burden largely falls on defendants — many still deep in addiction, many who are homeless — to find and secure treatment on their own.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Emerging data suggests that GLP-1 drugs could reshape addiction treatment, Bhagavathula pointed out.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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