Hooked

The state of being intensely interested in or addicted to something. This can refer to an unhealthy dependence, like substance abuse, or a strong enjoyment and commitment to a particular activity or subject. It signifies a captivating quality that draws one in and makes it difficult to disengage. The level of intensity can vary greatly, from a casual fondness to an all-consuming passion. It often implies a persistent desire to experience the object of interest, leading to repeated engagement and, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms if deprived.

Hooked meaning with examples

• After playing the video game for just an hour, she was completely hooked. She couldn't stop thinking about the strategies and achievements, playing late into the night. The game's addictive nature kept her coming back for 'just one more level', causing a significant drop in her sleeping habits.
• He was instantly hooked on the feeling of freedom that riding a motorcycle gave him. The wind in his hair and the open road were exhilarating. Soon, motorcycle riding had become his primary hobby, as he bought more safety equipment, participated in biker groups and planned weekend trips.
• The novel's captivating plot and well-developed characters hooked the readers from the first page. They were compelled to discover the next plot twist and the fate of the novel’s characters. The suspense and the mystery made the book nearly impossible to put down, much to the joy of the publisher.
• Following his accident, he was sadly hooked on pain medication. His physical dependency was obvious; however, so was the emotional component of the habit. The need for the medication and to cope with the injury created a constant, all consuming battle for him as he tried to slowly become free of the habit.