dependence

or de·pend·ance

[ dih-pen-duhns ]

noun

1. the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.
2. reliance; confidence; trust:

   Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.

3. an object of reliance or trust.
4. the state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence:

   the dependence of an effect upon a cause.

5. the state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.
6. subordination or subjection:

   the dependence of Martinique upon France.

dependence

/ dɪˈpɛndəns /

noun

1. the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help
2. reliance; trust; confidence
3. rare.
   an object or person relied upon

Other Words From

• nonde·pendance noun
• nonde·pendence noun
• over·de·pendence noun
• prede·pendence noun
• self-de·pendence noun
• semi·de·pendence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dependence¹

1400–50; late Middle English dependaunce < Old French dependance, equivalent to depend ( re ) ( depend ) + -ance -ence

Example Sentences

It’s a sly note of social observation from Beckett on how inhumanity is transmitted in a play that is focused on our mutual dependence in a world without metaphysical foundation or solace.

From Los Angeles Times

Stringfellow said one of her goals is to help generate discussion about how Los Angeles can reduce its dependence on water imported from the Eastern Sierra and other sources hundreds of miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

It did not model the impact of its blueprint on consumer bills "given the heavy dependence on policy choices".

From BBC

Policies encouraging settler colonialism ultimately led to more sedentary lifestyles and a dependence on fast, convenient and processed foods – such as hamburgers – regardless of the individual or environmental costs.

From Salon

The group says programmes in the centre are superficial and focused on "shame" - failing to tackle the root causes of drug dependence.

From BBC

Related Words

• confidence
• dependency