1. living on or in another organism and obtaining nutrients from it, typically causing harm to the host
Usage: present participle of parasitize; biology
2. exploiting or taking advantage of someone or something without giving anything in return
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The ticks were parasitizing the deer in the forest.
• Mistletoe grows by parasitizing oak trees.
• The fungus is parasitizing the roots of the plant.
• He accused his brother of parasitizing their parents’ generosity.
• The company was parasitizing local resources without contributing to the community.
• Certain bacteria are capable of parasitizing larger microorganisms.