dependence

Universal Words noun [U] 1 ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the state of needing the help and support of sb/sth in order to survive or be successful: his dependence on his parents * Our relationship was based on mutual dependence. * the dependence of Europe on imported foods * financial / economic dependence OPPINDEPENDENCE 2 (also dependency) the state of being ADDICTED to sth (= unable to stop taking or using it): drug / alcohol dependence 3 ~ of A and B (technical) the fact of one thing being affected by another: the close dependence of soil and landforms