parasitic
UK: ˌpærəˈsɪtɪk | US: ˌpærəˈsɪtɪk
adj. relating to or characteristic of a parasite (an organism that lives on or in another organism, harming it)
adj. (figuratively) exploiting or dependent on others without giving anything in return
parasitic = para<beside> + sit<food> + ic<adjective suffix>
- para (from Greek para-, meaning "beside" or "alongside")
- sit (from Greek sitos, meaning "food" or "grain")
- ic (adjective-forming suffix, indicating "relating to")
Etymology Origin:
The word parasitic originates from the Greek parasitos ("one who eats at another's table"), combining para- ("beside") and sitos ("food"). It originally described someone who flattered others for free meals, later evolving to describe organisms that live off hosts. The suffix -ic turns it into an adjective, solidifying its modern meaning of dependency or exploitation.
The parasitic vine slowly choked the host tree.
Some fungi have a parasitic relationship with plants.
He criticized the parasitic nature of certain corporate practices.
Ticks are common parasitic pests in wooded areas.
The government warned against parasitic scams targeting the elderly.