dependence

de·pen·dence

noun \di-ˈpen-dən(t)s\

Definition of DEPENDENCE

1

: the quality or state of being dependent; especially : the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another

2

: reliance, trust

3

: one that is relied on

4

a : drug addiction <developed a dependence on painkillers> b : habituation 2b

Variants of DEPENDENCE

de·pen·dence also de·pen·dance \di-ˈpen-dən(t)s\

Examples of DEPENDENCE

1. The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.
2. Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.
3. a harmful dependence on foreign oil

First Known Use of DEPENDENCE

15th century

Related to DEPENDENCE

Synonyms: dependency, reliance

Antonyms: independence, independency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, self-support

Related Words: reciprocity, relativity; confidence, credence, faith, stock, trust

Near Antonyms: autonomy, self-determination, sovereignty (also sovranty)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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