Phrasal verb
feed off
Definition
phrasal verb. to get energy, strength, or ideas from something else. You use this when one thing uses another thing to grow or become stronger.
phrasal verb. to derive energy, inspiration, or emotional momentum from a source. The verb is transitive and often describes a parasitic or symbiotic relationship between two entities or concepts.
Examples
“The performer feeds off the energy of the crowd.”
“In a toxic workplace, some managers feed off the fear of their employees to maintain control.”
“The populist movement began to feed off the growing economic anxieties of the middle class, gaining momentum with every new report of inflation.”
Examples
simple
“The performer feeds off the energy of the crowd.”
contextual
“In a toxic workplace, some managers feed off the fear of their employees to maintain control.”
complex
“The populist movement began to feed off the growing economic anxieties of the middle class, gaining momentum with every new report of inflation.”
Usage
Always followed by an object, which is the source of the energy or information.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'feed on', which is more literal or biological, and 'live off', which implies financial or physical survival.
Pitfall
He feeds off from the crowd.
He feeds off the crowd.
The particle 'off' acts as the preposition; adding 'from' is redundant and incorrect.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
feed + off + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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