dependence
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEPENDENCE
:
the state of being dependent: such as
a
:
the state of needing something or someone else for support, help, etc.
— + on or upon
[noncount]
-
The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
-
Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
[singular]
-
a harmful dependence on foreign oil
b
:
the state of being addicted to alcohol or a drug
[noncount]
-
drug and alcohol dependence [=addiction, dependency]
[singular]
— usually + on
-
She eventually developed a dependence on the painkillers she was taking.
