Definition

Noun: 1. The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else: This refers to a condition where a person, organization, or system needs support from another entity to function or exist. 2. Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs): This is a specific, often clinical, use referring to addiction or substance dependence.

Usage

• General Reliance: Use "dependence" to describe a situation where one thing is contingent upon another.
• Addiction/Substance Use: Use "dependence" in medical, psychological, or social contexts to describe a compulsive need for a substance.

Examples

• General Reliance:
  • The country's economic dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to price changes.
  • A child's dependence on their parents decreases as they grow older.
• Addiction/Substance Use:
  • He sought treatment for his alcohol dependence.
  • The study focused on the physical and psychological aspects of drug dependence.

Advanced Usage

• Mutual Dependence (Interdependence): A situation where two or more parties rely on each other.
  • The mutual dependence between the bee and the flower is a classic example of symbiosis.
• Pathological Dependence: An unhealthy or excessive level of reliance.
  • The therapist noted a pathological dependence on external validation.

Variants and Related Words

• Dependency (n): Often used interchangeably with "dependence," especially in technical contexts (e.g., software dependency, dependency theory).
• Dependent (adj/n): As an adjective, it means "contingent on or relying on." As a noun, it refers to a person who relies on another for support.
  • The project's success is dependent on good weather.
  • She listed her two children as dependents on her tax form.

Synonyms

• Reliance: The act of depending on someone or something.
• Addiction: The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
• Subordination: The state of being secondary or subordinate to something else.

Antonyms

• Independence: The state of being free from outside control or support.
• Self-sufficiency: The ability to supply one's own needs.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To live in a state of dependence: To have one's life controlled by reliance on another.
  • After the injury, he lived in a state of dependence on his family.
• Cycle of dependence: A recurring pattern where reliance is perpetuated.
  • Foreign aid, if poorly managed, can create a cycle of dependence.

Noun

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