addiction

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.

   Do your lethal addictions to self-prescriptions numb the ache of the darkest days?

2. 2
   noun

   A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.

   His addiction was to courses vain.

3. 3
   noun

   (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)

4. 4
   noun

   an abnormally strong craving

5. 5
   noun

   being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)

6. 6
   noun

   The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.

7. 7
   noun

   A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.

Etymology

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