being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)

[ Syn: dependence , dependance , dependency , habituation ]

an abnormally strong craving

(Roman law) a formal award by a magistrate of a thing or person to another person (as the award of a debtor to his creditor); a surrender to a master; under Roman law addiction was the justification for slavery'