parasite

noun
UK: /ˈpærəsaɪt/
US: /ˈpærəsaɪt/

  1. An animal or plant that lives on or in another animal or plant and gets food or protection from it.

    1. The parasite lives on the dog's skin.
    2. That plant is a parasite, it steals nutrients from the host tree until it dies.

  2. A person who relies on or exploits others and gives nothing back.

    1. He's a parasite, always borrowing money.
    2. The politician was called a parasite for taking advantage of the system.

Synonyms

sponge hanger-on leech
parasite verb

  1. To live as a parasite, exploiting another organism or person.

    1. The vine parasitizes the oak tree.
    2. He parasitizes off his parents without trying to get a job or learn independence.
parasite adjective

  1. Relating to or caused by a parasite.

    1. The dog has a parasitic infection.
    2. The scientist researched parasitic diseases and their effects on the human body.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "parasite" in English means: An animal or plant that lives on or in another animal or plant and gets food or protection from it., A person who relies on or exploits others and gives nothing back..

The phonetic transcription of "parasite" is /ˈpærəsaɪt/ in British English and /ˈpærəsaɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "parasite": sponge, hanger-on, leech.

Example usage of "parasite": "The parasite lives on the dog's skin.". More examples on the page.