A mythological undead creature said to feed on the blood of the living.
"The vampire emerged from its coffin at night, ready to feed on the blood of the sleeping villagers."
In plain English: A vampire is a fictional creature that comes to life at night and survives by drinking blood from people.
"The movie was about a vampire who lived in Transylvania and hunted humans by night."
Usage: Use this word primarily as a noun to describe mythical creatures that drink human blood, though it also functions as a verb meaning to deplete someone's energy or funds. Avoid using "vampire" when referring to actual medical conditions like anemia unless you are making an explicit metaphorical comparison.
To drain of energy or resources.
"The new manager began to feel drained because her boss was a vampire who constantly took credit for everyone's hard work."
In plain English: To vampire means to drain someone of their energy, money, or enthusiasm through constant demands or complaints.
"The tired student tried to vamp himself up with an extra hour of sleep before the exam."
The English word "vampire" comes through French and German from a Slavic root meaning the same creature it describes today. It entered our language via Hungarian after traveling across Europe to describe supernatural beings that drink blood.