codependent
koh-de-PEN-dent
/ˌkoʊ.dɪˈpen.dənt/
Characterized by excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support due to an illness or addiction.
Almost always used in a negative or clinical context to describe an unhealthy, enabling relationship.
The story behind the word. The term emerged in the 1970s within the context of Alcoholics Anonymous to describe the spouses of addicts who became 'partners in the dependency'. It suggests a 'hanging together' that is more like a knot than a bridge.
Word relationships
- enabling: Enabling is the action of supporting someone's bad habits, while codependent is the emotional state behind it.
- independent: Independent individuals maintain their own identity and needs.
Commonly confused with
- interdependent: Interdependent is a healthy partnership; codependent is a dysfunctional entanglement.
Word family
- codependency (noun): The state of being codependent.
Collocations
- codependent behavior
- codependent personality
- break the codependent cycle
Example sentences
- "Their codependent relationship prevented both of them from seeking the professional help they truly needed." A therapy session regarding a troubled couple.
- "The protagonist realizes her behavior is codependent, as she only feels worthy when fixing others' problems." Analyzing character arcs in a novel.
Memory hook
'Co-' means together, and 'dependent' means needing. They are 'stuck together' in a bad way. Co-dependent: Caught in a trap together.
When not to use
Avoid using this for simple teamwork; it specifically refers to a loss of individual identity in a relationship.
Fun facts
- The term was originally 'co-alcoholic' before it was broadened to include any dysfunctional relationship dynamic.
Related words
Explore more words
attachment, symbiotic, possessive, rely, self-reliant, sentimental
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