Definition of 'addict'

Word Frequency

addict

(ædɪkt )

Word forms: plural addicts

1. countable noun

An addict is someone who takes harmful drugs and cannot stop taking them.

He's only 24 years old and a drug addict.

Synonyms: junkie [informal], abuser, user [informal], druggie [informal] More Synonyms of addict

2. countable noun

If you say that someone is an addict, you mean that they like a particular activity very much and spend as much time doing it as they can.

She is a TV addict and watches as much as she can.

Synonyms: fan, lover, nut [slang], follower More Synonyms of addict

Video: pronunciation of 'addict'

Word Frequency

addict in British

verb (əˈdɪkt )

1. (tr; usually passive; often foll by to)

to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, esp a narcotic drug)

noun (ˈædɪkt )

a person who is addicted, esp to narcotic drugs

3. informal

a person who is devoted to something

a jazz addict

Word origin of 'addict'

C16: (as adj and as vb; n use C20): from Latin addictus given over, from addīcere to give one's assent to, from ad- to + dīcere to say

Word Frequency

addict in American

(əˈdɪkt ; ədiktˈ; for n., ˈædɪkt ; adˈikt)

verb transitive

to give (oneself) up to some strong habit

usually in the passive voice

to cause (someone) to become addicted to some habit

noun

a person addicted to some habit, esp. to the use of a narcotic drug

an ardent supporter; devotee

a baseball addict

Word origin of 'addict'

< L addictus, pp. of addicere, to give assent < ad-, to + dicere, to say: see diction

Example sentences containing 'addict'

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Few in this generation are heroin addicts. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The homeless drug addict tested positive for cocaine. The Sun (2016)Subsequently his mother lost her nursing job and became a drug addict. Times, Sunday Times (2016) Drug addicts were at ease with her. The Sun (2017)We're not convinced a romance between these recovering drug addicts is the most sensible idea. The Sun (2016)He loves his son, but remains addicted to heroin and is tragic. Times, Sunday Times (2017)The brothers come from a troubled background, raised by their nan as both parents were heroin addicts. The Sun (2016)In reality, she was a former drug addict who spent three years behind bars for smuggling drugs into jail. The Sun (2016)The contradictions are apparent in her first appearance, when we find her in a halfway house for recovering addicts. Times, Sunday Times (2016)In the days that followed it was claimed the singer had died a heroin addict and had recently been admitted to hospital after an overdose. Times, Sunday Times (2017)No one else can make an addict stop. The Sun (2015)Ten years ago he was a hapless drug addict. The Sun (2010)The former drug addict had previously served as least two sentences for robbery. Times, Sunday Times (2010)The notion of addicts as passive victims of their addiction is a gross simplification. Times, Sunday Times (2011)He spends much of his free time helping other addicts and alcoholics find freedom. Christianity Today (2000)Those who become addicted to toxic food will not find organic food enjoyable. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Treat yourself like a recovering drug addict who needs to go cold turkey. The Sun (2015)This is a party ideologically addicted to spending and borrowing and taxing. Times, Sunday Times (2014)But the takeaway addict could not stop himself begging for food. The Sun (2015)This new pleasure leads them to become addicted to the experience. Claudia Hammond EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings (2005)This makes recovering addicts prone to relapse. The Sun (2010)Locals say many inhabitants are alcoholics and drug addicts who spend the day sleeping indoors. Times, Sunday Times (2013)If a person is an addict it is an illness that no amount of bullying is going to help. The Sun (2015)We had such a brilliant time we became addicted and now we go twice a year if we can. The Sun (2011)Princess is already a beauty addict. The Sun (2015)The best treatment for heroin addicts? Times, Sunday Times (2006)According to the former addict who knows them, such a move always comes with risk. Times, Sunday Times (2012)It's about being addicted to a person you should not be addicted to. The Sun (2007)As a former crack addict, he says he speaks from experience. Times, Sunday Times (2014)They almost have to withdraw from the adrenaline, much as drug addicts have to experience discomfort when "kicking "their habit. Lamplugh, Diana & Sterwin, Diana & Nottidge, Pamela Survive the Nine to Five - a woman's guide to working well (1989)My husband and I are already addicted to it and look forward to seeing how the plot unfolds. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Living as she did in an age much addicted to gossip and scandal, the legacy of her past was simply too spectacular to conceal. Katie Hickman COURTESANS (2003)