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."
inseparable
feed off
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To use something as a source of food, energy, or motivation, often in a way that suggests dependence or exploitation.
In plain English
To get energy, strength, or motivation from something — or to use something as food.
What does "feed off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To obtain nourishment by eating from something — the organism takes what it needs from another source.
Actually means
To get energy, strength, or motivation from something — or to use something as food.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "feed off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
energy attention crowd fear insecurity host
How to conjugate "feed off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "feed off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "feed off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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