parasitizes
/ˈpɛrəsaɪtaɪzɪz/
verb
- To live on or inside another organism (the host) and get food or energy from it, often harming the host.
- The fungus parasitizes trees, slowly draining their strength over many years.
- Certain wasps parasitize caterpillars by laying eggs inside them.
- A tapeworm parasitizes the intestines of its host, absorbing nutrients from digested food.
- To take advantage of someone or something for personal gain, often in a way that is harmful or unfair.
- The company parasitized the local community by exploiting cheap labor and paying no taxes.
- She felt her friend was parasitizing her generosity by always asking for money without giving back.
- The corrupt official parasitized the public funds for his own luxury.