Health / B2

uh-DIKSHUN/əˈdɪkʃn/

Addiction is a strong need to keep doing or using something even when it harms you: addiction to smoking, gambling, screens. Habit is everyday and weaker; dependence is a closer medical cousin. Addicted to is the adjective pattern; addictive describes the thing. In speech, I cannot stop is blunter. Use it for a serious pull, not for a mild liking (not “addicted to tea” unless you are joking).

Meaning

A strong need to keep doing or using something, even when it is harmful.

Examples

• “He is fighting an addiction to smoking.”
• “He sought help for an addiction to online betting.”
• “The game is designed to be addictive; that is not the same as an addiction.”

Good to know

addiction to + noun. Adjective: addicted to. Of the thing: addictive. Everyday: a habit you cannot stop. Stronger than liking.

Near in meaning

dependence

Topics

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