Definition

To live in or on another organism and take nutrients from it, often harming the host in the process.

Example

Some insects can parasitise plants, drawing nutrients from them.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that some insects can parasitise plants?

Really? I had no idea!

Yeah, it’s fascinating how they survive this way.

Nature is so interesting; I love learning about these relationships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parasitise → It is formed from "parasitus" (from Greek "parasitos", meaning one who eats at another's table) and the suffix "-ise" (meaning to make or to become). The word describes the act of living off another organism, akin to how a parasite benefits from its host.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'parasite' that 'makes' ('-ise') its home by 'eating at another's table' ('parasitus'). This helps you remember that 'parasitise' means to live off another organism.

Visually Confused Words