dependence
Saydi-PEN-duhns/dɪˈpɛndəns/
Pluraldependences (some meanings)
- 1The state of needing someone or something else for help or support.
Like a young bird that still needs its parents to bring it food.
The child's dependence on her parents lessened as she grew older.
Their dependence on imported food worried the whole town.
Similarreliance, dependency
Oppositeindependence, self-sufficiency, autonomy, self-reliance
Note
- 2A strong need for something, such as a drug, that is very hard to control.
Like needing a cup of coffee every morning just to feel normal.
Her dependence on painkillers grew after months of taking them daily.
He finally sought treatment for his dependence on alcohol.
Similaraddiction, dependency, habit
Note
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Origin
It comes from the Middle French word 'dépendance'. It is also made from 'depend' plus '-ence'.