'Dependence' definitions:

Definition of 'dependence'

From: WordNet
noun
The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else [syn: dependence, dependance, dependency]
noun
Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs) [syn: addiction, dependence, dependance, dependency, habituation]

Definition of 'Dependence'

From: GCIDE
  • Dependence \De*pend"ence\, n. [LL. dependentia, fr. L. dependens. See Dependent, and cf. Dependance.]
  • 1. The act or state of depending; state of being dependent; a hanging down or from; suspension from a support. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The state of being influenced and determined by something; subjection (as of an effect to its cause). [1913 Webster]
  • The cause of effects, and the dependence of one thing upon another. --Bp. Burnet. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Mutual connection and support; concatenation; systematic inter-relation. [1913 Webster]
  • So dark and so intricate of purpose, without any dependence or order. --Sir T. More. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Subjection to the direction or disposal of another; inability to help or provide for one's self; a lack of independence or self-sufficiency.
  • Syn: dependance, dependency. [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
  • Reduced to a servile dependence on their mercy. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A resting with confidence; reliance; trust. [1913 Webster]
  • Affectionate dependence on the Creator is the spiritual life of the soul. --T. Erskine. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. That on which one depends or relies; as, he was her sole dependence. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. That which depends; anything dependent or suspended; anything attached a subordinate to, or contingent on, something else. [1913 Webster]
  • Like a large cluster of black grapes they show And make a large dependence from the bough. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. A matter depending, or in suspense, and still to be determined; ground of controversy or quarrel. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • To go on now with my first dependence. --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'dependence'

From: Moby Thesaurus