Parasitic Meaning in English
word
Definition
Describes an organism or person that lives off another by taking resources without giving anything back. It can refer to biological parasites or people who take advantage of others.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and scientific, used in biology for actual parasites, but also figuratively for people or things exploiting others. Common collocations: 'parasitic relationship', 'parasitic behavior'. Distinct from 'parasite' (the noun).
Example Sentences
Mosquitoes can have parasitic relationships with humans.
basic
Tapeworms are parasitic creatures.
basic
That plant shows parasitic behavior on its host tree.
basic
Some people see freeloaders as having a parasitic attitude.
natural
After a while, his parasitic behavior started to frustrate his friends.
natural
The company suffered from a parasitic partnership that drained its resources.
natural