dependence
/dɪˈpɛnd(ə)ns
/noun [mass noun]
1The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else: Japan’s dependence on imported oil...
- But James aimed to free the crown from any dependence on its subjects.
- The importance of sea control has increased with the world's growing dependence on international trade and ocean resources.
- Her mental condition slowly deteriorates with her growing dependence on a fantasy she is unable to control.
Synonyms
helplessness, weakness, defencelessness, vulnerability;
subservience, subordination
1.1Reliance on someone or something for financial support: the dependence of our medical schools on grant funds...
- Choices made within these relationships, he argued, may give rise to the financial dependence of one partner on the other.
- As with the Chinese, the Japanese family also plays a key role in maintaining social stability, dependence, and mutual support.
- What she chooses is true love and financial dependence - outside marriage.
Synonyms
reliance on, need for, seeking support from, leaning on, clinging to;
trust in, faith in, confidence in, belief in
1.2Addiction to drink or drugs: alcohol dependence...
- Injections are also being developed to help tackle other serious addictions, including drugs dependence.
- Lifetime risks and correlates for both alcohol and drug abuse and dependence were estimated.
- With proper and timely treatment the victim of alcohol dependence can beat his addiction and lead a useful, productive life.
Synonyms
addiction, dependency, over-reliance, reliance;
craving, compulsion, fixation, obsession;
abuse
US informal jones
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'hanging down or something that hangs down'): from Old French dependance, from the verb dependre (see depend).