Addiction
/əˈdɪk.ʃən/noun
A compulsive dependence on a substance or behavior.
Did you know?The term 'addiction' was once used in legal contexts to denote a binding or enslavement, highlighting its historical ties to control and dependency.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
addictio
“A formal legal term meaning 'surrendering' or 'binding' oneself to another.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
addictus
“Past participle of 'addicere', meaning 'to give over' or 'to devote oneself'.”
Old French
Old French
addiction
“The act of surrendering oneself or being bound to something.”
16th Century
English
addiction
“Referring to a state of being bound to a habit or a substance, often with negative connotations.”
Modern English
English
addiction
“A psychological or physical dependence on a substance or activity.”