bloodsucker

Học thuật
Thân thiện
bloodsucker

A leech, a type of bloodsucker, attaches to a person's leg in a shallow pond.

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.
bloodsucker

A leech, a type of bloodsucker, attaches to a person's leg in a shallow pond.

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

Từ đồng nghĩa