Browse all

feed off

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To get energy, strength, or motivation from something — or to use something as food.

Literal meaning: To obtain nourishment by eating from something — the organism takes what it needs from another source.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

Of an organism: to use another organism or substance as a source of food.

"These parasites feed off the blood of larger mammals."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To draw energy, motivation, or strength from something.

"Great stand-up comedians feed off the audience's reactions and adjust their material live."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To use or exploit someone's emotions, weaknesses, or situation for one's own benefit.

"Conspiracy theories feed off people's fear and mistrust of authority."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Can be literal (an organism feeds off another) or figurative (a performer feeds off the crowd's energy). The figurative sense can imply exploitation. Very similar to 'feed on' but slightly more informal.

Commonly used with

energy attention crowd fear insecurity host

Forms

Base
feed off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
feeds off
he/she/it
Past simple
feeded off
yesterday
Past participle
feeded off
have + pp
-ing form
feeding off
continuous

Understand "feed off" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

feed on live off thrive on draw from exploit subsist on

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "feed off" on Looplines