Parasitic
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 04/11/2023

The word "parasitic" is an adjective that describes something or someone that benefits at the expense of others, usually by taking advantage of their resources or efforts without giving anything in return. It is commonly used to describe organisms that live on or inside another organism and depend on it for survival. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe human behavior or relationships.
Here are a few examples to help illustrate the meaning of "parasitic":
1. In biology:
   - The tick is a parasitic insect that attaches itself to animals and feeds on their blood.
   - The tapeworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of animals, absorbing nutrients from its host.
2. In human behavior:
   - A parasitic friend is someone who constantly takes advantage of your kindness and generosity without offering any support or reciprocation.
   - A parasitic employee is someone who constantly relies on their colleagues to do the work for them, without contributing their fair share.
3. In relationships:
   - A parasitic romantic partner is someone who manipulates and exploits their partner emotionally, financially, or physically, without caring about their well-being.
   - A parasitic family member is someone who constantly relies on their relatives for financial support, without making any effort to become self-sufficient.
In all these examples, the parasitic entity benefits from its host while giving nothing in return, often causing harm or burden to the host. The term "parasitic" is used to highlight the one-sided nature of the relationship and the exploitation involved.