Meaning & use
physical dependence
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Meanings
noununcountablemedical
A condition in which the body has adapted to a substance and reacts badly when the substance is stopped.
Grammar: Uncountable; it usually appears with 'to': physical dependence on a drug.
Patterns
- physical dependence on something
- develop physical dependence
- treat physical dependence
Long-term use of strong painkillers can lead to physical dependence.
Patients with physical dependence may feel sick when they miss a dose.
The clinic treats both physical dependence and the psychological need for the drug.
noununcountablebiologytechnical
In biology, a state in which an organism cannot function normally without a particular chemical or condition.
Grammar: Used in scientific descriptions, often followed by 'on': dependence on a nutrient.
Patterns
- physical dependence on a nutrient
- show physical dependence
Some insects show physical dependence on a single plant species.
The study examined physical dependence on calcium in the developing embryo.
Common combinations
- develop physical dependence
- People can develop physical dependence after weeks of daily use.
- physical dependence on opioids
- Physical dependence on opioids is a serious medical concern.
- signs of physical dependence
- Doctors look for signs of physical dependence before reducing a dose.
- treat physical dependence
- The program treats physical dependence with a gradual reduction plan.
Synonyms and how they differ
- addiction
- Addiction includes compulsive behavior and craving, while physical dependence is mainly the body's adaptation.
- dependence
- Dependence is the shorter general term; physical dependence specifies that the body is involved.
Word family
- dependent adjective
- Needing something or someone in order to function.
- dependence noun
- The general state of needing something.
- physically adverb
- In a way that relates to the body.
Commonly confused: physical dependence or addiction?
physical dependence vs addiction
Addiction is a broader condition involving craving and harmful use; physical dependence can exist without addiction.
Practice
After months of taking the medicine, he showed physical dependence ___ it.
Choose one answer.
'Dependence on' is the standard pattern. 'Dependence to' is not used in English.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “physical dependence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.