1. a relationship between two organisms in which one (the parasite) lives on or in another (the host) and benefits at the host’s expense
Usage: biology
2. the practice of living off others without giving anything in return
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The tick’s parasitism weakened the dog over time.
• Scientists study parasitism to understand disease transmission.
• Fleas demonstrate a classic example of parasitism in nature.
• The tapeworm’s parasitism caused nutritional deficiencies in its host.
• His financial parasitism on his family created tension at home.
• The company’s parasitism on government subsidies was criticized.
• Social parasitism occurs when individuals exploit community resources without contributing.