a bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worm with suckers at both ends. Some species are used in medicine for bloodletting purposes., a person who extorts profit from or sponges on others.

stick to someone like a leech, a leech on society, leech off someone

leech therapy, leech oil, leech farm

Formal and Informal Expressions of leech

In different contexts, you can replace 'leech' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'parasite' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bloodsucker, freeloader' is a commonplace synonym.

leech: Explore its Definition & Usage

leech Definition

1a bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worm with suckers at both ends. Some species are used in medicine for bloodletting purposes.
2a person who extorts profit from or sponges on others.

Using leech: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "leech" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The leech attaches itself to the skin of its host and sucks blood.
Example
He's a leech who always borrows money but never pays it back.
Example
Leeches were once commonly used in medicine for bloodletting.

leech Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for leech

Idioms Using leech

stick to someone like a leech
cling to someone closely and persistently, often in an annoying way
Example
He stuck to her like a leech, following her everywhere she went.
a leech on society
a person who lives off the efforts of others without contributing anything themselves
Example
He's a leech on society, always taking handouts and never working for a living.
leech off someone
depend on someone else for financial or other support, often in an unfair or parasitic way
Example
He's been leeching off his parents for years, refusing to get a job or support himself.

Phrases with leech

leech therapy
the use of medicinal leeches to remove blood from a patient's body, often used in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Example
Leech therapy can help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling after surgery.
leech oil
a traditional remedy made by infusing leeches in oil, believed to have medicinal properties
Example
Leech oil is used in some cultures to treat skin diseases and joint pain.
leech farm
a facility that breeds and raises leeches for medical or commercial purposes
Example
The leech farm supplies medicinal leeches to hospitals and clinics around the world.

Origins of leech

Old English 'lǣce', meaning 'physician'

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Summary: leech in Brief

A 'leech' [liːtʃ] is a type of worm that sucks blood and has suckers at both ends. They were once used in medicine for bloodletting. The term also refers to a person who extorts profit from or sponges on others. Phrases like 'leech therapy' and 'leech oil' refer to medicinal uses of leeches. Idioms like 'stick to someone like a leech' and 'a leech on society' describe clinging or parasitic behavior.