Codependency - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Codependency is an unhealthy relationship dynamic where one person excessively relies on another for emotional or psychological support, often neglecting their own needs. It can enable harmful behaviors.
Definition:
Excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, often enabling unhealthy behavior.
Synonyms:
interdependence, reliance, enmeshment
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
independence, self-sufficiency
Common Collocations:
codependent relationship, break codependency, overcome codependency, signs of codependency
Derivatives:
codependent, codependently
Usage Tips:
Use "codependency" to describe unhealthy emotional dependence in relationships, often involving enabling behaviors.
Common Phrases:
cycle of codependency, toxic codependency, emotional codependency
Etymology:
Originated in psychology (mid-20th century), combining "co-" (together) and "dependency" (reliance).
Examples:
- 1. Their codependency made it hard for either to make decisions alone.
- 2. Codependency often stems from childhood trauma or insecure attachments.
- 3. She realized her codependency was harming both her and her partner.
- 4. Therapy helped them address their codependency and build healthier boundaries.