freeload

[ free-lohd, -lohd ]

verb (used without object)

, Informal.

1. to take advantage of others for free food, entertainment, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to get by freeloading:

   He freeloaded several meals a week.

freeload

/ ˈfriːˌləʊd /

verb

1. slang.
   intr to act as a freeloader; sponge

Other Words From

• freeloader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of freeload¹

1950–55, Americanism; back formation from freeloader ( free + load + -er ¹ )

Example Sentences

The implication is that the benefit has allowed those who worked in restaurants before the pandemic and were thrown out of work to basically freeload on federal assistance even though businesses are reopening across the country.

From Washington Post

Hordes of relatives and political favor seekers were in mortal peril if they arrived to freeload after dark.

From The Daily Beast

He found himself breathing heavily, despite the freeload conditions.

From Project Gutenberg