habit-forming

adjective

hab·​it-form·​ing ˈha-bət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Examples of habit-forming in a Sentence

warned the patient to be careful, because morphine can be habit-forming
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company sees the Refresher format as an opportunity to diversify its in-store offerings while giving guests more ways to engage with the brand in a format that feels flexible, approachable, and habit-forming. Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Launch a habit-forming brand tool, like a tracker or micro-app, that solves a real need and aligns with your mission. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 What Is Addiction Capitalism? Addiction capitalism refers to an economic model in which companies design technology products and digital platforms to be as habit-forming as possible. Mary Johnstone-Louis, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In their marketing, meanwhile, supplement companies consistently describe their melatonin products as drug-free, non-habit-forming, and safe. ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Pregabalin also has the potential to be habit-forming, meaning people can become dependent on it and require help stopping the medication. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025 These non-habit-forming drinks contain safe, non-habit-forming ingredients. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 Paya is a breezy wonderland where the habit-forming mussels taste like tikka masala and the scallop crudo pops with peaches, jalapeño and passionfruit. Andy Wang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Antidepressants can cause flu-like withdrawal symptoms, but the medications are not habit-forming, mental health experts say. Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of habit-forming was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Habit-forming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit-forming. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing
ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ
: causing an addiction
a habit-forming drug

Medical Definition

habit-forming

adjective
hab·​it-form·​ing ˈhab-ət-ˌfȯr-miŋ How to pronounce habit-forming (audio)
: inducing the formation of an addiction
a habit-forming prescription painkiller

More from Merriam-Webster on habit-forming

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