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Exploit Definition & Usage: How to Use It Correctly
Meaning 1：take unfair advantage of (exploit)
exploit
/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/
vt.
To unfairly use someone or something for your own benefit, often without giving anything back or treating them well.
take unfair advantage of
➕
/teɪk ʌnˈfɛr ədˈvæntɪdʒ ʌv/
vt.
To use a person or situation in a way that is selfish, unfair, or harmful, often for personal gain.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'plicare' (to fold). Original sense 'unfold', later shifted to unfair taking advantage.
💡 Mnemonic
'Ex' + 'ploit' = take the 'plot' out of someone else's story for your own benefit.
📖 Example
The owner of the clothing factory exploited his workers by making them work 12 hours a day for very little pay.
The owner of the clothing factory exploited his workers by making them work 12 hours a day for very little pay.
🔗 Collocations
exploit workers – to use workers unfairly for profit
exploit resources – to extract resources for one's own benefit
exploit a situation – to take advantage of a situation for personal gain
🔄 Synonyms
take advantage of (phrasal verb) – to use someone or something in a way that is unfair.
manipulate (v.) – to control or influence someone cleverly or unscrupulously.
milk (v.) – to extract money, information, or benefits from someone, usually by exploiting them.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
exploitation (n.) – the act of exploiting someone or something.
exploitative (adj.) – tending to exploit, especially in an unfair way.
exploiter (n.) – a person who exploits others.
📖 Cultural Story
From Latin 'explicitare' (to unfold) via Old French 'exploit' (achievement). In the 19th century, the meaning shifted to unfair use of someone for personal gain.
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