freeload
/ˈfriːləʊd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfriːləʊd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrē-ˌlōd/ (ame, mw)
freeload — verb
- freeloadpresent simple I / you / we / they
- freeloadshe / she / it
- freeloadedpast simple
- freeloading-ing form
1. to regularly accept money, food, a place to stay, or other help from people with
to regularly accept money, food, a place to stay, or other help from people without paying for it or giving anything back
Sanjay freeloaded off his aunt for months, eating her food and paying nothing.
freeload off + [person]
Naledi freeloaded on her new roommates for weeks before they finally asked her to leave.
freeload on + [person]
Two backpackers freeloaded in the hostel kitchen until the owner finally kicked them out.
Ibrahim hates relatives who freeload at his flat each summer without offering to cook.
There is always a cousin who freeloads during family holidays without lifting a finger.
- sponge
stronger negative tone; specifically about getting money or regular support from someone
- mooch
very informal, more common in American English; implies repeatedly getting small favours or items
- scrounge
getting things by asking around, not necessarily without intending to repay
- leech
much harsher and more negative; suggests fully parasitic, long-term exploitation
- contribute
to give your fair share rather than take from others
- pay your way
to cover your own costs instead of relying on others
文法句型
freeload off + [person]
freeload on + [person]
用法筆記
Always intransitive — you cannot 'freeload something.' Typically paired with 'off' or 'on' to name the person providing the resources. Common in progressive forms ('is freeloading').