addiction

Meanings

Plural: addictions

Noun

• being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
• an abnormally strong craving
• (Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master
  • "under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery"
• A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.
• The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.
• A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.
• A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.

Synonyms

dependance, dependence, dependency, habituation