parasitizing

Definitions

Living as a parasite in or on another organism.

Exploiting or habitually relying on the resources of another person or entity for personal gain.

Examples

The invasive vine is slowly parasitizing the oak tree by wrapping around its trunk and stealing essential nutrients.

Researchers are studying how the wasp species survives by parasitizing the larvae of local butterflies.

Synonyms

sponging leeching scrounging exploiting mooching feeding off living off

Antonyms

supporting nurturing providing contributing sustaining aiding nourishing