bloodsucker

[ bluhd-suhk-er ]

noun

1. any animal or insect that feeds on blood:

   As bloodsuckers, fleas are capable of spreading many diseases.

2. a mythical creature that feeds on blood, especially a vampire:

   The film delves into the idea of bloodsuckers as outlaws, portraying its vampire characters as outcasts from society.

3. a person who preys on or exploits others:

   If you really want the blackmail to end, you'll have to stand up to the bloodsuckers and refuse to pay.

4. a person who habitually and excessively borrows or lives on money from others:

   Her bloodsucker of a nephew has been draining her savings for years.

bloodsucker

/ ˈblʌdˌsʌkə /

noun

1. an animal that sucks blood, esp a leech or mosquito
2. a person or thing that preys upon another person, esp by extorting money

Derived Forms

• ˈbloodˌsucking, adjective

Other Words From

• blood·suck·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodsucker¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; blood, sucker