Codependent: meaning, definitions and examples
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codependent
[ ˌkoʊdɪˈpɛndənt ]
relationships, mental health
Codependent refers to a psychological condition where a person is excessively emotionally or psychologically reliant on a partner or friend. This dependency often results in dysfunctional behaviors and an inability to maintain boundaries. Typically, codependent individuals prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to an unhealthy balance in relationships. The term is frequently used in discussions of addiction, where one partner's substance abuse may cause the other to become codependent as a means of coping with the situation.
Synonyms
attached, dependent, interdependent.
Examples of usage
- Their codependent relationship made it difficult for either of them to pursue their own interests.
- She realized she was codependent and needed to establish healthier boundaries.
- Many codependent individuals struggle with self-esteem issues.
- His codependent behavior manifested in constantly needing to please his partner.
Translations
Translations of the word "codependent" in other languages:
🇵🇹 codependente
🇮🇳 कोडिपेंडेंट
🇩🇪 codependent
🇮🇩 codependent
🇺🇦 кодепендент
🇵🇱 współzależny
🇯🇵 共依存の
🇫🇷 codépendant
🇪🇸 codependiente
🇹🇷 kod bağımlısı
🇰🇷 공존 의존적인
🇸🇦 معتمد مشترك
🇨🇿 kódově závislý
🇸🇰 kódovo závislý
🇨🇳 共依存的
🇸🇮 soodvisen
🇮🇸 kóðaflokkandi
🇰🇿 кодекспонент
🇬🇪 კოდეპენდენტი
🇦🇿 kodasılı
🇲🇽 codependiente
Etymology
The term 'codependent' emerged in the 1980s within the context of addiction recovery, particularly in the literature surrounding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other twelve-step programs. Initially, it was used to describe the relational dynamics between an individual struggling with addiction and their partner, who often took on a caretaking role. The concept was further popularized by therapists and authors such as Melody Beattie in her book 'Codependent No More.' Over the years, the definition of codependency has evolved to encompass various forms of unhealthy dependency in relationships, extending beyond substance abuse to include emotional and relational patterns in various interpersonal contexts. As awareness of mental health issues grew, the term entered mainstream discourse, becoming a crucial concept for understanding relationship dynamics and personal boundaries.