What does the phrasal verb “feed off” mean?

What are the definitions of “feed off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Eat a food as part of an animals diet.

  The gecko FEEDS OFF mosquitoes and other insects.

• 2. Use something to your advantage.

  He FEEDS OFF people's fear of crime to get them to support his proposals.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “feed off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb feed off is to eat something as part of an animal's diet. It is often used to describe how animals obtain their food or energy from other living organisms. For example, a bird might feed off insects, or a plant might feed off sunlight.

What are the different verb forms of “feed off”?

Root Verb	feed off
Third Person Singular Present	feeds off
Present Participle	feeding off
Simple Past	fed off
Past Participle	fed off

Example

The plants feed off the nutrients in the soil.

Example

The cat feeds off the mice in the barn.

Example

The baby birds are feeding off the worms their mother brings them.

Example

The parasites fed off the host's blood.

Example

The algae have fed off the excess nutrients in the water.

What kind of phrasal verb is “feed off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“feed off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The gecko feeds off mosquitoes and other insects.

Example

The plants feed off the nutrients in the soil.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“feed off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The gecko feeds off mosquitoes and other insects.

Example

The plants feed off the nutrients in the soil.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “feed off”?

Feed off someone's energy

To gain energy or motivation from someone else's enthusiasm or excitement.

Example

She feeds off her teammates' energy during the game, making her play even better.

Feed off someone's emotions

To take advantage of someone's emotions, often in a negative way.

Example

The con artist fed off the elderly woman's loneliness to gain her trust.

Feed off the land

To live off the natural resources available in an area, such as hunting, fishing, or gathering wild plants.

Example

The early settlers had to feed off the land until they could establish their farms.

Good things to know

Does “feed off” have an informal or formal tone?

Feed off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in scientific or academic discussions about animals, plants, or human behavior.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “feed off”?

Synonyms

• consume
• eat
• devour
• exploit
• prey on
• live off
• take advantage of
• benefit from
• profit from
• thrive on

Antonyms

• provide
• supply
• nourish
• support
• sustain
• reject
• refuse
• avoid
• fend off
• resist