leech

US /liːtʃ/
UK /liːtʃ/
"leech" picture
1.

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

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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.
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bloodwormparasite
2.

a person who habitually exploits or sponges on others.

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He's a real leech, always borrowing money and never paying it back.
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Don't let that leech take advantage of your kindness.
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parasitespongerfreeloaderscroungerexploiter
1.

to habitually exploit or sponge on others.

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He tries to leech off his friends for free meals.
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Don't let him leech off your hard work.
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spongeexploitscroungefreeloadprey on