leechlike
Clinging and draining
Leechlike describes something resembling a leech in appearance or behavior—clinging, parasitic, draining.
The word usually emphasizes persistent attachment and extraction: a leechlike grip on power, leechlike dependence on others' generosity.
Someone leechlike latches on and won't let go.
One receiving guests
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- infestationPest takeover situation
- parasitismOne benefits, one suffers
- symbiosisInterspecies biological interdependence
freeloading · dependent · draining · sapping · weakening · debilitating · attached · latched
Exploiting the vulnerable
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- opportunisticExploiting circumstances for gain
- extractiveRemoving natural resources
- vampiricFeeding on blood
draining · profiteering · usurious · mercenary · calculating · scheming · rapacious · greedy
Invading others' privacy
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- repellentCauses strong aversion
- off-puttingCausing mild aversion
- repulsiveCausing strong disgust
disgusting · revolting · parasitic · bothersome · annoying · persistent · difficult · stubborn
Joined to another thing
- clingingGripping without release
- graspingGreedy for wealth
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
stuck · adhering · inseparable · needy · dependent · smothering · suffocating · overbearing
Blood-drinking undead creature
- bloodmealDried, powdered animal protein
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
- siphonLiquid transfer tube
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
anticoagulant · exsanguinate · feeding · attachment · puncture · saliva · secretion · numbing
host
One receiving guests
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- infestationPest takeover situation
- parasitismOne benefits, one suffers
symbiosis · freeloading · dependent · draining · sapping · weakening · debilitating · attached · latched · feeding
predatory
Exploiting the vulnerable
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- opportunisticExploiting circumstances for gain
- extractiveRemoving natural resources
vampiric · draining · profiteering · usurious · mercenary · calculating · scheming · rapacious · greedy · selfish
intrusive
Invading others' privacy
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
- repellentCauses strong aversion
- off-puttingCausing mild aversion
repulsive · disgusting · revolting · parasitic · bothersome · annoying · persistent · difficult · stubborn · clinging
attached
Joined to another thing
persistent · stuck · adhering · inseparable · needy · dependent · smothering · suffocating · overbearing · possessive
vampire
Blood-drinking undead creature
- bloodmealDried, powdered animal protein
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
- siphonLiquid transfer tube
proboscis · anticoagulant · exsanguinate · feeding · attachment · puncture · saliva · secretion · numbing · painless
leechlikeindependent
Free from external control
self-sufficient · self-reliant · autonomous · self-sustaining · self-supporting
leechlikegenerous
Willing to give freely
giving · altruistic · philanthropic · beneficent · magnanimous