Addict – Definition & Meaning

The term “addict” is commonly used to describe someone who is dependent on a substance or behavior. The term has a negative connotation and is often associated with drug addiction, but it can also refer to other addictions such as gambling, shopping, or even social media.

Definitions

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an addict is “a person who is addicted to a substance or activity.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an addict as “a person who is physically or psychologically dependent on a particular substance, typically an illegal drug.”

Origin

The word “addict” comes from the Latin word “addictus,” which means “given over, devoted.” In ancient Rome, it was used to describe someone who was legally bound to a creditor as a result of debt. Over time, the term came to be associated with other types of dependencies.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In addition to the definitions provided by Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, other dictionaries offer slightly different interpretations of the term “addict.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines an addict as “someone who cannot stop doing or using something, especially something harmful.” The Collins English Dictionary describes an addict as “a person who is addicted to a particular substance, especially illegal drugs.”

Associations

The word “addict” is often associated with negative connotations such as dependency, loss of control, and harmful behavior. It is frequently used in discussions about drug addiction, but it can also refer to other types of addictions such as gambling, shopping, or even social media.

Synonyms

There are many synonyms for the word “addict,” including dependent, junkie, user, abuser, and fiend. Each of these terms carries slightly different connotations and may be used in different contexts.

Antonyms

Antonyms for “addict” include words like abstainer, non-user, and sober. These terms describe people who do not engage in addictive behaviors or who have successfully overcome addiction.

The same root words

The word “addict” shares a root with other words such as “addiction,” “addicted,” and “addictive.” Each of these words refers to the concept of dependency or the tendency to become hooked on something.

Example Sentences

  • She is a shopping addict and can’t resist buying new clothes every week.
  • He became addicted to painkillers after a serious injury.
  • The city has a growing problem with drug addicts and homelessness.
  • She was determined to overcome her addiction to social media and spent a month offline.
  • He sought help for his gambling addiction after losing all of his savings.
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