Definition

Noun: 1. A creature that sucks blood: An animal, typically a parasite, that feeds on the blood of another animal as its primary source of nourishment. 2. A person who exploits others: (Figurative, informal) A person who extorts money, drains resources, or preys on others for personal gain.

Usage

• The primary meaning refers to literal, biological parasites.
• The figurative meaning is a strong, negative term for a person who is ruthlessly exploitative.

Examples

• Literal (creature):
  • Leeches and mosquitoes are common bloodsuckers.
  • The veterinarian checked the dog for ticks and other bloodsuckers.
• Figurative (person):
  • That loan shark is a real bloodsucker, charging outrageous interest rates.
  • He called the corrupt officials bloodsuckers draining the life from the economy.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe something related to exploitation.
  • The company was accused of bloodsucker tactics.

Variants and Related Words

• Bloodsucking (adj): Describing an organism that sucks blood, or a figuratively exploitative practice.
  • a bloodsucking insect; bloodsucking landlords

Synonyms

• Parasite: (Both literal and figurative) An organism or person that lives off and harms a host.
• Leech: (Both literal and figurative) A type of worm that sucks blood; a person who clings to another for personal gain.
• Extortionist: (Figurative) A person who obtains something through force or threats.
• Vampire: (Figurative) A person who preys on others, often with a connotation of charm or seduction alongside exploitation.

Idioms

• No direct idioms use "bloodsucker" itself, but the concept is central to phrases like:
  • To bleed someone dry: To take all of someone's money or resources.
  • A parasite on society: A person who contributes nothing and only takes.

Noun

1. carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end