addicted
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈdɪktɪd/
KK: /əˈdɪk.tɪd/
adjective
Definition
Having a strong and harmful need to regularly take a substance or engage in a behavior.
Example
He was addicted to video games and spent all his free time playing.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more addicted
Superlative: most addicted
Conversation
Have you noticed how many people are addicted to their phones these days?
Totally! It’s like they can’t go a minute without checking them.
I sometimes feel a bit addicted myself, especially when scrolling through social media.
Same here! We should probably try to take breaks more often.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hooked
dependent
obsessed
Antonyms
indifferent
detached
uninterested
verb
Definition
To be unable to stop doing something harmful or to be very enthusiastic about something.
Example
He is addicted to playing video games for hours every day.
Tense Forms
Past: addicted
Past Participle: addicted
Conversation
Have you ever felt addicted to a video game?
Oh, definitely! I used to play for hours without stopping.
Right? I think I got addicted to one last summer.
Root Explanation
Addicted is formed from "ad-" (meaning to or towards) and "dicere" (meaning to say or declare). The word originally described a state of being bound or devoted to something, as if one has declared allegiance to it.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'towards' ('ad-') something you have 'declared' ('dicere') your loyalty to — that's why addicted means being devoted to a habit or substance.
Visually Confused Words
unaddicted
caddiced
radicated
caddice