leech

word

Definition

A leech is a small worm-like animal that attaches to other animals and drinks their blood. The word can also describe a person who takes advantage of others by constantly asking for help or money.

Usage & Nuances

'Leech' is neutral when referring to the animal and informal, often negative, when describing a person. Common phrases: 'be a leech', 'someone is a leech'. Implying someone is a 'leech' is usually insulting.

Spanish: sanguijuela - parásito (persona aprovechada)Portuguese (BR): sanguessuga - parasita (pessoa exploradora)Portuguese (PT): sanguessuga - parasita (pessoa exploradora)Chinese (Simplified): 蚂蟥 - 寄生虫（比喻人）Chinese (Traditional): 水蛭 - 寄生蟲（比喻人）Hindi: जोंक - परजीवी (स्वार्थी व्यक्ति)Arabic: علقة - شخص انتهازي (شخص يستغل الآخرين)Bengali: জোঁক - পরজীবী (লোকের ওপর নির্ভরশীল ব্যক্তি)Russian: пиявка - нахлебник (о человеке)Japanese: ヒル - たかり屋 (人)Vietnamese: con đỉa - kẻ ăn bám Korean: 거머리 - 빌붙는 사람 Turkish: sülük - asalak (kişi)Urdu: جونک - چمٹ جانے والا (شخص)Indonesian: lintah - parasit (orang yang memanfaatkan orang lain)

Example Sentences

A leech lives in rivers and lakes.

basic

The doctor used a leech for old-style treatment.

basic

He called his friend a leech because he always borrowed money.

basic

My cousin is such a leech—he never pays for anything!

natural

After I got my bonus, a bunch of leeches started asking me for favors.

natural

I can't stand people who leech off others without giving anything back.

natural