dependence

[dih-pen-duh ns] /dɪˈpɛn dəns/
noun
1.
the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.
2.
reliance; confidence; trust:
Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.
3.
an object of reliance or trust.
4.
the state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence:
the dependence of an effect upon a cause.
5.
the state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.
6.
subordination or subjection:
the dependence of Martinique upon France.
Also, dependance.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English dependaunce < Old French dependance, equivalent to depend(re) (see depend) + -ance -ence
Related forms
nondependance, noun
nondependence, noun
overdependence, noun
predependence, noun
self-dependence, noun
semidependence, noun
Examples from the web for dependance
  • They are probably one of the few government agencies that actually deals with our ridiculous oil dependance.
  • Of course, dependance on heroin for example is not the same as dependence on alcohol.
British Dictionary definitions for dependance

dependence

/dɪˈpɛndəns/
noun
1.
the state or fact of being dependent, esp for support or help
2.
reliance; trust; confidence
3.
(rare) an object or person relied upon
Word Origin and History for dependance
n.

c.1400, early variant of dependence, rare since c.1800; see -ance.

dependence

n.

early 15c., from Middle French dépendance, from dependre (see depend). Originally also dependance (the earlier form), depending whether the writer had French or Latin foremost in mind; the Latin form gradually predominated and after c.1800 dependance is rare. As an adjective from c.1600.

dependance in Medicine

dependence de·pend·ence (dĭ-pěn'dəns)
n.

  1. The state of being dependent, as for support.

  2. Subordination to someone or something needed or greatly desired.

  3. A compulsive or chronic need; an addiction.

de·pend'en·cy n.