Addiction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈdik-shən/ ad·dic·tion

Meaning & Definition of Addiction

Addiction (noun)

  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
  2. a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly

Addiction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a physiological need for certain drugs

    "an addiction to heroin"

    similar: dependence, habit, jones (slang), monkey
    related: alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism, habituation, tolerance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Addiction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Addiction:

Slang: jones
dependence, habit, monkey

Related Words for Addiction

alcoholism, heroinism, morphinism, habituation, tolerance

Origin & Etymology of Addiction

earlier, "inclination, bent," in part derivative of addict: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 addict:2

First known use: circa 1532

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Addiction

Frequently Asked Questions about Addiction

What does "Addiction" mean?

"Addiction" means 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. As a noun, it is defined as: 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.

What is another word for "Addiction"?

Other words for "Addiction" include dependence, habit, jones and monkey. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Addiction" you intend.

How do you use "Addiction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Addiction" in a sentence: "an addiction to heroin".

Is "Addiction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Addiction" is a noun.

Is "Addiction" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Addiction" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Addiction"?

"Addiction" is pronounced /ə-ˈdik-shən/ and divided into syllables as ad·dic·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Addiction"?

"Addiction" comes from earlier, "inclination, bent," in part derivative of addict: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 addict:2. First known use: circa 1532.

What is another word for "Addiction" meaning "a physiological need for certain drugs"?

When "Addiction" (noun) means a physiological need for certain drugs, synonyms include dependence, habit, jones and monkey.