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What is another word for Parasite? – 138 Parasite Synonyms

    Need another word for Parasite? Use these synonyms of Parasite from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    leech freeloader sponger moocher cadger scrounger parasite bloodsucker tick flea louse pest nuisance bother hassle trouble annoyance plague scourge blight affliction infestation invasion infiltration encroachment intrusion interloper infiltrator invader trespasser squatter freerider profiteer exploiter usurper abuser manipulator coaster loafer idler sluggard layabout drone lazybone

    Meaning of Parasite

    The primary meaning of the word "parasite" refers to an organism that lives on or in another organism, known as the host, and feeds off it, often harming the host in the process.

    Definitions

    • A parasite is an organism that lives on or in another organism, known as the host, and feeds off it, often harming the host in the process.
    • * A person who habitually relies on or exploits others for their own benefit, especially financially.
    • * In electronics, a parasite is an unwanted device or component that draws power from a circuit.

    Etymology of Parasite

    The word "parasite" originates from the Greek word "parasitos", meaning "person who eats at another's table", which is a combination of "para" (beside) and "sitos" (food).
    Historically, the term was first used in the 16th century to describe plants or animals that lived on or in other organisms, and later expanded to include human parasites who exploit others for their own gain.

    Example Uses

    • The parasite attached itself to the host's skin and began to feed on its blood.
    • * He's a parasite who always relies on his friends for financial support.
    • * The company is a parasite that exploits its employees for cheap labor.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    host benefactor donor helper assistant supporter contributor giver philanthropist altruist selfless generous kind considerate benevolent humanitarian sponsor patron partner collaborator ally friend associate companion colleague

    Related Nouns

    host organism creature animal plant fungus bacterium virus disease infection infestation plague epidemic pandemic outbreak invasion infiltration encroachment intrusion exploitation abuse manipulation dependency reliance

    Related Verbs

    infest infect invade infiltrate exploit abuse manipulate rely depend feed live thrive grow multiply spread transmit infect contaminate pollute harm damage destroy

    Related Adjectives

    parasitic exploitative abusive manipulative dependent reliant harmful destructive damaging injurious noxious toxic poisonous venomous deadly lethal fatal malignant cancerous infectious contagious epidemic pandemic