1. a psychological condition in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who is affected by a pathological condition (such as an addiction to alcohol or drugs)
Usage: psychology
2. an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support on account of an illness or addiction

Examples

• Her codependence on her alcoholic husband prevented her from seeking help.
• The therapist explained how codependence can develop in families affected by addiction.
• Breaking free from codependence requires learning to set healthy boundaries.
• Support groups help people recognize patterns of codependence in their relationships.
• His codependence made it difficult for him to make decisions without his partner’s approval.
• The book explores the roots of codependence in dysfunctional family systems.