dependence

/dɪˈpɛndɪns/

/dɪˈpɛndɪns/

Other forms: dependences

Dependence is a state where someone is heavily reliant on someone or something else. This could mean the dependence of children on parents or an addict on a drug.

Since to depend on someone is to need them, dependence is a state or condition of strong need. There are many kinds of dependence: a dog is in a state of dependence with his master. This word is also often used for drug and alcohol dependence, which is known as addiction. Dependence a strong word for extreme needs: liking something, like chocolate, isn't really dependence. The opposite of dependence is independence: being self-reliant and not needing others.

Definitions of dependence

1. noun

   the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
   synonyms: dependance, dependency

   types:

   helplessness

   the state of needing help from something

   reliance

   the state of relying on something

   subordination

   the state of being subordinate to something

   contingency

   the state of being contingent on something

   type of:

   state

   the way something is with respect to its main attributes
2. noun

   being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
   synonyms: addiction, dependance, dependency, habituation

   types:

   drug addiction, white plague

   an addiction to a drug (especially a narcotic drug)

   alcohol addiction, alcoholism, drunkenness, inebriation

   habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms

   cocaine addiction

   an addiction to cocaine

   heroin addiction

   an addiction to heroin

   caffein addiction

   an addiction to caffein

   nicotine addiction

   an addiction to nicotine

   type of:

   physical condition, physiological condition, physiological state

   the condition or state of the body or bodily functions