codependency

noun

co·​de·​pen·​den·​cy ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce codependency (audio)
: a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person manifesting low self-esteem and a strong desire for approval has an unhealthy attachment to another often controlling or manipulative person (such as a person with an addiction to alcohol or drugs)
broadly : dependence on the needs of or on control by another

Did you know?

Dependency on addictive substances has been known for centuries, but the concept of codependency got its name only as recently as 1979. For many of us, codependency isn't easy to understand; we may keep asking "Why doesn't she just leave him?" and find it hard to accept the answers we get. Codependents usually don't share their partners' addiction, but their lives tend to be taken over with the burden of caring for and protecting the spouse or partner. In recent years, people have started claiming that all kinds of conditions—anorexia, overeating, gambling, fear of intimacy, etc.—can result in codependency. Many experts think all of this has gone too far; still, almost everyone agrees that spouses of alcoholics and drug addicts face unique difficulties and should look for support and advice anywhere they can find it.

Examples of codependency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Touching on themes of substance abuse, codependency, remorse and heartbreak, Swims leans into the emotions. Thania Garcia, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024 The 2002 visual showcased Spears stripping away any codependency and performing intense, ferocious dance moves. Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024 Trying to heal your partner can blur emotional boundaries and lead to burnout, resentment or even codependency. Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024 Characteristics This family dynamic is characterized by enabling behaviors and codependency. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for codependency 

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of codependency was in 1977

Dictionary Entries Near codependency

Cite this Entry

“Codependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codependency. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

codependency

noun
co·​de·​pen·​den·​cy ˌkō-di-ˈpen-dən-sē How to pronounce codependency (audio)
variants or co-dependency also codependence or co-dependence
plural codependencies
: a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person manifesting low self-esteem and a strong desire for approval has an unhealthy attachment to another person and places the needs of that person before his or her own

Note: In codependency, a person tries to satisfy the needs of another who is often controlling or manipulative and who may have an addictive or emotionally unstable personality.

broadly : dependence on the needs of or control by another

More from Merriam-Webster on codependency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!