parasitize

verb

par·​a·​sit·​ize ˈper-ə-sə-ˌtiz 

-ˌsī-, 

ˈpa-rə-

parasitized; parasitizing

transitive verb

: to infest or live on or with as a parasite

parasitization

ˌper-ə-sə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌsī-, 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

Examples of parasitize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These have likely been parasitized by a wasp which is also helping with control. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025

The larvae parasitize earthworms, with adult flies emerging a few days later. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025

These naturally occurring microscopic organisms found in the soil parasitize a wide range of insect pests that have soil dwelling larval or pupal stages. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025

Last Movies parasitizes the predatory relationship the dominant screen culture encourages people to have with its stars. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parasitize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

parasitize

verb

par·​a·​sit·​ize ˈpar-ə-sə-ˌtīz 

-ˌsīt-ˌīz

parasitized; parasitizing

: to infest or live on or with as a parasite

an insect that parasitizes many mammals

Medical Definition

parasitize

transitive verb

par·​a·​sit·​ize

variants also British parasitise

-sə-ˌtīz  -ˌsīt-ˌīz 

parasitized also British parasitised; parasitizing also British parasitising

: to infest or live on or with as a parasite

parasitization noun

also British parasitisation

ˌpar-ə-sət-ə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌsīt-