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addiction - 7 dictionary results

ad⋅dic⋅tion

[uh-dik-shuhn]
–noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Origin:
1595–1605; < L addictiōn- (s. of addictiō) a giving over, surrender. See addict, -ion
ad·dic·tion   (ə-dĭk'shən)   
n.  
    1. Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance: a drug used in the treatment of heroin addiction.
    2. An instance of this: a person with multiple chemical addictions.
    3. The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something.
    4. An instance of this: had an addiction for fast cars.
    1. The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in something.
    2. An instance of this: had an addiction for fast cars.

Addiction

Ad*dic"tion\, n. [Cf. L. addictio an adjudging.] The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination. "His addiction was to courses vain." --Shak.

Main Entry: ad·dic·tion
Pronunciation: &-'dik-sh&n
Function: noun
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)

Main Entry: ad·dic·tion
Pronunciation: &-'dik-sh&n
Function: noun
: compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-formingsubstance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substanceknown by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful —compare HABITUATION, SUBSTANCE ABUSE

addiction ad·dic·tion (ə-dĭk'shən)
n.
Habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one's voluntary control.

addiction   (ə-dĭk'shən)  Pronunciation Key 
  1. A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses. See more at withdrawal.
  2. A habitual or compulsive involvement in an activity, such as gambling.

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