Dictionary entry

Addict (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ad‐dict″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Addicted; p. pr. & vb. n.Addicting.] [L. addictus, p. p. of addicere to adjudge, devote; ad + dicere to say. See Diction.] 1. To apply habitually; to devote; to habituate; — with to. “They addict themselves to the civil law.” Evelyn.

He is addicted to his study.

Beau. & Fl.

That part of mankind that addict their minds to speculations.

Adventurer.

His genius addicted him to the study of antiquity.

Fuller.

A man gross... and addicted to low company.

Macaulay.

2. To adapt; to make suitable; to fit.

The land about is exceedingly addicted to wood, but the coldness of the place hinders the growth.

Evelyn.

Syn.Addict, Devote, Consecrate, Dedicate. Addict was formerly used in a good sense; as, addicted to letters; but is now mostly employed in a bad sense or an indifferent one; as, addicted to vice; addicted to sensual indulgence. “Addicted to staying at home.” J. S. Mill.Devote is always taken in a good sense, expressing habitual earnestness in the pursuit of some favorite object; as, devoted to science. Consecrate and dedicate express devotion of a higher kind, involving religious sentiment; as, consecrated to the service of the church; dedicated to God.