Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else: The condition of needing the support of another person, group, or thing to function or exist.
   • Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming: A compulsive or chronic need for a substance (like a drug or alcohol) or an activity, often leading to harmful consequences.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The country sought to reduce its economic dependance on foreign oil. (The country wanted to lessen its state of relying on oil from other nations.)
  • His dependance on pain medication became a serious health concern. (His abnormal need for painkillers developed into a major health problem.)

Advanced Usage

• "Financial dependance": The state of relying on another person or entity for money.
  • After losing her job, her financial dependance on her family increased.
• "Mutual dependance": A situation where two or more parties rely on each other.
  • The symbiotic relationship is characterized by mutual dependance.

Variants and Related Words

• Dependence (noun): This is the more common and standard spelling of the word. "Dependance" is a recognized but less frequent variant.
  • She fought for her independence and freedom from dependence.
• Dependent (adjective): Needing someone or something for support.
  • The young animals are dependent on their mother for food.
• Dependency (noun): Often used interchangeably with "dependence," but can also refer specifically to a territory controlled by another country.
  • The clinic specializes in treating alcohol dependency.

Synonyms

• Reliance: The state of being dependent on something.
• Addiction: The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
• Subordination: The state of being secondary or subject to the authority of another.

Related Phrases

• "Dependance on": The standard preposition used with this noun.
  • Their strategy showed a clear dependance on outdated technology.
• "Kick a dependance": An informal phrase meaning to overcome an addiction.
  • He entered rehab to kick his dependance on gambling.

Related Idioms

• "A crutch": Something used for support, often in a way that prevents independence. (This is a conceptual synonym, not a direct idiom with the word "dependance").
  • He used his busy schedule as a crutch to avoid dealing with his problems.

Noun

1. the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
2. being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)