Addict

/ˈædɪkt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is dependent on a substance or engaged in an activity to an excessive degree.

He is a known drug addict who is trying to turn his life around.

A person who has a habit or strong desire for something.

As a caffeine addict, she couldn't start her day without a cup of coffee.

verb

To cause someone to become dependent on a substance or activity.

The drama of the show was so engaging that it seemed to addict viewers overnight.

To devote or surrender oneself to something habitually or obsessively.

She found herself addicted to social media, spending hours scrolling through her feed.

From Latin 'addictus', past participle of 'addicere', meaning 'to devote, to surrender'.

food addict

A person who is unable to control their eating habits.

work addict

A person who is excessively devoted to their work.

internet addict

A person who spends an excessive amount of time online.

dependency

The state of relying on something harmful.

habit

A regular practice or routine.

compulsion

An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way.

Druggie

He's a druggie who can't stay away from the streets.

Fiend

She's a total fiend for video games, playing all night long.