n.
Variant: also de · pen · dance
Pronunciation: di- ' pen-d ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : the quality or state of being dependent especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another
2 : RELIANCE , TRUST
3 : one that is relied on
4 a : drug addiction <developed a dependence on painkillers> b : HABITUATION 2B