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
As a result, Democratic and Republican leaders around the nation have pushed to boost investment in addiction treatment.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
He's questioned his online presence, fearful of feeding the habits of those struggling with screen addiction.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Not long after Struve and partner Chad Unger bought Stronger Sober in 2023, a Medicaid billing and kickback scandal involving addiction services provider NuWay Alliance upended their corner of the industry.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
The film charts the story of an unhoused man whose once-stable life is obliterated by gambling and alcohol addiction.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
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Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
He's questioned his online presence, fearful of feeding the habits of those struggling with screen addiction.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Not long after Struve and partner Chad Unger bought Stronger Sober in 2023, a Medicaid billing and kickback scandal involving addiction services provider NuWay Alliance upended their corner of the industry.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
The film charts the story of an unhoused man whose once-stable life is obliterated by gambling and alcohol addiction.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 Sep. 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 Sep. 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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