parasitize

[ par-uh-si-tahyz, -sahy- ]

verb (used with object)

, par·a·si·tized, par·a·si·tiz·ing.

1. to live on (a host) as a parasite.

parasitize

/ -saɪ-; ˈpærəsɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to infest or infect with parasites
2. to live on (another organism) as a parasite

Other Words From

• un·para·si·tized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parasitize¹

First recorded in 1885–90; parasite + -ize

Example Sentences

Another 39 of the parasitized slugs let parts of their bodies slowly fall away.

From Science News For Students

Glaw was reminded of “parasites that eat the animal from the inside,” having seen such fatally parasitized insects before.

From Science News

Primary larvae of the parasite failed to parasitize Supella.

From Project Gutenberg

Two roundworms were found to parasitize the guts of the salamanders; the parasitism looks to be benign.

From Project Gutenberg