parasitar

Senses

1. 1.

   to parasitize

   to live as a parasite on or in another organism

2. 2.

   to sponge off

   to take unfair advantage of someone else's resources or hospitality

Examples

• "El parásito parasita el cuerpo del huésped durante meses."

  The parasite parasitizes the host's body for months.

• "No quiero que mi hermano siga parasitando en mi casa sin contribuir."

  I don't want my brother to keep sponging off my house without contributing.

• "Algunos insectos parasitan a otros animales para reproducirse."

  Some insects parasitize other animals in order to reproduce.

Usage

Common in biological contexts and figuratively for taking unfair advantage of someone. Often used with the reflexive form parasitarse (to take unfair advantage). Register is neutral to slightly formal.