Definition of "addiction"

addiction

/əˈdɪkʃən/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural addictions
1. (medicine) A state that is characterized by compulsive drug use or compulsive engagement in rewarding behavior, despite negative consequences.
  Quotations
  Do your lethal addictions to self-prescriptions numb the ache of the darkest days?
  2019, Thy Art is Murder, Chemical Christ
2. The state of being addicted; devotion; inclination.
3. A habit or practice that damages, jeopardizes or shortens one's life but when ceased causes trauma.
4. A pathological relationship to mood altering experience that has life damaging consequences.
  Quotations
  His addiction was to courses vain.
  1599, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene i]