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dependence

noun [S or U] (US also dependance)
 
 
/dɪˈpen.dəns/ (also dependency)

Definition

C2 the situation in which you need something or someone all the time, especially in order to continue existing or operating: The company needs to reduce its dependence on just one particular product. Drug dependence led to her early death. She has developed a deep dependence on him (= she needs him emotionally).AddictionDrug addictionEssential or necessary
(Definition of dependence noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
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