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 Nyman
Examples 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
In January, DeFord advocated for an anti-fentanyl bill before Congress, telling lawmakers that the government needed to take more action to help those struggling with addiction, as well as to prevent fatal overdoses.
—Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
Its big gray-bearded captain, Bart, struggled with addiction to opioids and meth.
—C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Over the last decade, investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into biotechs promising to turn molecules like psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and LSD into drugs for conditions such as depression, anorexia, and addiction.
—Jason Mast, STAT, 5 June 2024
Hunter Biden was also struggling with an alcohol addiction, Lowell said, noting that the federal forms do not ask about alcohol use.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for addiction 
Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
Its big gray-bearded captain, Bart, struggled with addiction to opioids and meth.
—C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Over the last decade, investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into biotechs promising to turn molecules like psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and LSD into drugs for conditions such as depression, anorexia, and addiction.
—Jason Mast, STAT, 5 June 2024
Hunter Biden was also struggling with an alcohol addiction, Lowell said, noting that the federal forms do not ask about alcohol use.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for addiction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'addiction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near addiction
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
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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