Meaning of the word leech in English

What does leech mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

leech

US /liːtʃ/

UK /liːtʃ/

an aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm with suckers at both ends, living by preying on small invertebrates or by sucking blood from vertebrates.

Example:

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The doctor used a leech to reduce swelling.

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He felt something crawling on his leg and realized it was a leech.

Synonym:

bloodworm parasite

a person who habitually exploits or sponges on others.

Example:

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He's a real leech, always borrowing money and never paying it back.

•

Don't let that leech take advantage of your kindness.

Synonym:

parasite sponger freeloader scrounger exploiter

to habitually exploit or sponge on others.

Example:

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He tries to leech off his friends for free meals.

•

Don't let him leech off your hard work.

Synonym:

sponge exploit scrounge freeload prey on

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