1. plural of codependence; a psychological condition in which a person is excessively reliant on another person for approval, identity, or emotional support, often in unhealthy relationships.
Usage: commonly used in psychology and self-help contexts; often refers to patterns in romantic, family, or caregiving relationships

Examples

• The therapist helped her recognize patterns of codependences in her past relationships.
• Many support groups focus on breaking cycles of codependences.
• Codependences can develop when one partner constantly sacrifices their own needs.
• Understanding codependences is an important step toward building healthier relationships.
• The book explores how childhood experiences can lead to codependences in adulthood.