Definition

A strong and harmful need to regularly take a substance or engage in a behavior, often leading to negative effects on a person's life.

Example

His addiction to video games affected his social life and studies.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how some people struggle with addiction?

Yeah, it's really sad to see someone go through that.

I read that it can affect anyone, not just drug users.

Exactly, even something like gaming can turn into an addiction for some.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Addiction is formed from "addicere" (meaning to devote or surrender) which is a combination of "ad-" (meaning to) and "dicere" (meaning to say or declare). The term originally referred to the act of devoting oneself to something, often with a connotation of surrendering control, which has evolved into the modern understanding of a compulsive dependence on a substance or behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of 'devoting oneself to something' — 'ad-' means to, and 'dicere' means to declare. This helps you remember that addiction refers to a strong devotion or dependence on a substance or behavior.

Visually Confused Words