dependence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The state of being dependent, of relying upon another.

   He had a deep dependence on her for guidance.

2. 2
   noun

   An irresistible physical or psychological need, especially for a chemical substance.

   Her dependence on cocaine led to her ruin.

3. 3
   noun

   the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else

4. 4
   noun

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

Etymology

From Middle French dépendance. Morphologically depend + -ence.