n.
Pronunciation: ' per- ə - ˌ s ī t, ' pa-r ə -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return
– par · a · sit · ic \ ˌ per- ə - ' si-tik, ˌ pa-r ə - \ also par · a · sit · i · cal \ -ti-k ə l \ adjective
– par · a · sit · i · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
synonyms PARASITE , SYCOPHANT , TOADY , LEECH , SPONGE mean a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker. PARASITE applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society <a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites >. SYCOPHANT adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation <a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants >. TOADY emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker <cultivated leaders of society and became their toady >. LEECH stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage <a leech living off his family and friends>. SPONGE stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger <a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout>.