Vampirize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To extract or utilize someone's energy, resources, or vitality in a manner analogous to a vampire's feeding habits
2. To take away energy, strength, or resources from another in a way similar to a vampire feeding
3. To absorb or exploit the life force or assets of a person or entity as if by supernatural means

Etymology: "Vampirize" is a plain formation: the noun "vampire" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which attaches a sense of "make into, treat as, or subject to" the thing named. So the verb means, in effect, to turn someone into a vampire or to treat someone the way a vampire treats its victims, draining them of something vital. The noun "vampire" came into English from French "vampire," itself borrowed from German "Vampir," and it was the source of the "-ize" verb in the same way that "sterilize" or "criticize" were built from their own bases. The verb carries the figurative force of the noun: to vampirize someone is to feed on their energy, time, or resources while giving little back. The word is used mostly in this extended sense, applied to people, relationships, and organizations that exploit others in this way.

Synonyms: drain, suck, exhaust, consume, deplete

Antonyms: nourish, revitalize, energize, restore, supply