codependent

American

[koh-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌkoʊ dɪˈpɛn dənt /

adjective

of or relating to a relationship in which one person is physically or psychologically addicted, as to alcohol or gambling, and the other person is psychologically dependent on the first in an unhealthy way.

noun

one who is codependent or in a codependent relationship.

Other Word Forms

codependence noun
codependency noun

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You have a healthy work-life balance, no need for large circles of friends to make demands on your time or codependent friendships or relationships with people who chastise you for not calling, texting or sending messages by carrier pigeon.

From MarketWatch

At the risk of sounding codependent, there may come a time in the not-so-distant future when you need help yourself.

From MarketWatch

Allowing yourself to be guilted into signing a loan agreement is codependent behavior, and you and your husband need third-party intervention/mediation.

From MarketWatch

“I didn’t want to be codependent. I didn’t want to be an enabler. I wanted there to be autonomy for this human being.”

From Los Angeles Times

Writer-director Michael Shanks plays their discordant musical taste like a minor joke among all the major reasons why their codependent relationship has hit the skids.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023