addictive
UK: əˈdɪktɪv | US: əˈdɪktɪv
adj. causing a strong and harmful need to regularly have or do something
adj. (informal) highly enjoyable and compelling
addictive = addict<to devote> + ive<adjective suffix>
- addict: From Latin addictus (past participle of addicere), meaning "to devote, surrender, or assign." Originally legal terminology for binding someone to a creditor or master.
- ive: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating a tendency or capacity (e.g., active, destructive).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin addicere ("to decree, deliver, or surrender"), combining ad- (toward) + dicere (to declare). Over time, addictus evolved to describe compulsive devotion, especially to substances or habits, reflecting a "surrender" to dependency. The suffix -ive formalizes this as a descriptive trait.
Social media platforms are designed to be highly addictive.
The game’s mechanics make it incredibly addictive for players.
Caffeine can be mildly addictive for regular consumers.
She found the novel so addictive that she finished it in one sitting.
Critics warn that sugary foods may be as addictive as drugs.