codependent

American  

[koh-di-pen-duhnt] / ˌkoʊ dɪˈpɛn dənt /

adjective

1. of or relating to a relationship in which one person is physically or psychologically addicted, as to alcohol or gambling, and the other person is psychologically dependent on the first in an unhealthy way.

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noun

1. one who is codependent or in a codependent relationship.

Other Word Forms

• codependence noun
• codependency noun

Etymology

Origin of codependent

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

At the risk of sounding codependent, there may come a time in the not-so-distant future when you need help yourself.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

Today, in the real 2025, knowing that people are developing serious and codependent attachments to chatbots, the story Jonze presents in Her is much, much more loaded and pervasive.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2025

As Nicholson’s lovelorn codependent shifts personalities as she changes from partner to partner, Baker asks how headstrong girls grow up to become malleable women.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

"Objectively, the film is also a critique of a codependent relationship between a very perverse narcissist and a very vulnerable, echo personality," Szaniawski said of the dynamic between Jack and Wendy.

From Salon • Oct. 7, 2024

Maybe I'm codependent and I've replaced my mother with Ron.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King