What does "addiction" mean?

1. (medical dependency) a physical or mental need to use a drug or substance that you cannot easily stop. 2. (compulsive behavior) a strong habit of doing an activity too much, like playing video games or shopping.

How do you use "addiction"?

Often used with the preposition 'to'. Commonly followed by 'to' plus a noun or gerund.

addiction

US //əˈdɪkʃən// UK //ɐdˈɪkʃən// ad·dic·tion

1 medical dependency (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

a physical or mental need to use a drug or substance that you cannot easily stop.

a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Example

He went to a clinic to get help with his addiction to alcohol.

Example

The patient's addiction to prescription painkillers required a comprehensive treatment plan involving both detoxification and long-term psychological support.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to'.
- dependency
- habit
2 compulsive behavior (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a strong habit of doing an activity too much, like playing video games or shopping.

a psychological compulsion to engage in rewarding non-substance-related behaviours.

Example

Her addiction to social media was starting to affect her performance at work.

Example

Researchers are increasingly studying the neurological similarities between gambling addiction and chemical dependency.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'to' plus a noun or gerund.
- obsession
- fixation

Origin

From addict + -ion; compare (Latin) addictio (“an adjudging, an award”).