Addicting: meaning, definitions and examples

🎮
Add to dictionary

addicting

 

[ əˈdɪk.tɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior characteristic

Addicting refers to something that causes a strong need or desire to engage in a particular activity repeatedly. It often pertains to substances or activities that can lead to dependency or compulsive behavior.

Synonyms

compulsive, habit-forming, obsessive

Examples of usage

  • This game is incredibly addicting.
  • She finds shopping addicting.
  • The series has an addicting storyline.
  • Social media can be addicting for many users.

Translations

Translations of the word "addicting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 viciante

🇮🇳 नशेड़ी

🇩🇪 süchtig machend

🇮🇩 menyebabkan ketagihan

🇺🇦 залежний

🇵🇱 uzależniający

🇯🇵 中毒性のある

🇫🇷 addictif

🇪🇸 adictivo

🇹🇷 bağımlılık yapan

🇰🇷 중독성 있는

🇸🇦 مسبب للإدمان

🇨🇿 návykový

🇸🇰 návykové

🇨🇳 成瘾的

🇸🇮 odvisnost

🇮🇸 fíknandi

🇰🇿 тәуелділік тудыратын

🇬🇪 დამოკიდებულების გამომწვევი

🇦🇿 asılılıq yaradan

🇲🇽 adictivo

Etymology

The word 'addicting' is derived from the verb 'addict,' which originates from the Latin 'addictus,' meaning 'to give over or surrender.' The term evolved through Middle English and was incorporated into modern language to describe a state of dependency. Its usage expanded in the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of technology and social media platforms, where certain behaviors and digital content became increasingly difficult to resist. Today, 'addicting' is commonly used to describe not only substances like drugs or alcohol but also activities such as gaming, binge-watching, or excessive social media use. The language has adapted to the trends of consumer behavior and entertainment, reflecting societal shifts in the understanding of addiction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,181, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.