leech
B2formal, informal (extended meaning often informal/figurative)
Definition
Meaning
A bloodsucking worm that attaches to animals and humans.
A person who clings to and exploits others, draining resources or energy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The biological sense is neutral; the human sense is strongly pejorative, suggesting selfishness and dependency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both senses used identically. The verb 'to leech' is slightly more common in AmE.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotation for the parasitic person.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, but the extended meaning may be slightly more frequent in political/business AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] leeches [something] off/from [someone/something].[Someone] is a leech.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to) cling/stick to someone like a leech”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a partner or client who drains profits without adding value.
Academic
Primarily in biology (hirudinology), also in social sciences as a metaphor for exploitative relationships.
Everyday
Commonly used for a friend or relative who constantly borrows money or takes advantage.
Technical
In medicine: 'hirudotherapy' (use of medicinal leeches).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's just leeching off his parents' generosity.
- The corrupt official leeches funds from the public purse.
American English
- She leeched her brother for rent money for years.
- That startup is just leeching data from its users.
adjective
British English
- He has a leech-like quality about him.
American English
- She broke off the leech relationship for good.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor used a leech in the old treatment.
- My cousin is a leech; he always asks for money and never pays it back.
- The journalist accused the lobbyists of leeching influence from the weakened government.
- The regime's kleptocratic elites have systematically leeched the nation's wealth, leaving its infrastructure in ruins.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LEECH: Latch Endlessly, Extract Cash/Comfort, Hang on.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE PARASITES / RESOURCES ARE BLOOD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'личный' (personal). Russian 'пиявка' directly translates for both worm and person.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'leach' (to filter/percolate) is a common homophone error.
- Using 'leech' as a neutral term for a close friend (always negative).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'leech' CORRECTLY in its figurative sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it means to act as a parasite, e.g., 'to leech off someone'.
Yes, it is a strong insult implying they are selfish, exploitative, and draining.
Yes, in 'hirudotherapy' for microsurgery and some circulatory conditions.
As nouns for people, they are synonyms. 'Parasite' is more formal and can refer to biological organisms; 'leech' is more visceral and graphic.