n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' dik-sh ə n, a-
Function: noun
Date: 1599
1 : the quality or state of being addicted < addiction to reading>
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful