depredator
Definition
- Noun: A person or animal that preys on, plunders, or lays waste to something; a predator or thief that causes destruction or loss through aggressive seizure.
Usage Examples
- (An animal that destroys crops by eating them.)
- (A person who plunders and causes widespread damage.)
- (A predator that kills and eats other animals.)
Advanced Usage
"to act as a depredator": to function as one who plunders or destroys.
- The corporation was accused of acting as an economic depredator, draining local resources without compensation. (To behave like a exploitative force causing loss.)
"depredator of the environment": a person or entity that causes ecological harm through overuse or destruction.
- Illegal loggers are depredators of the rainforest, leaving barren land behind. (Those who cause environmental devastation.)
Variants and Related Words
Depredate (verb): to plunder, lay waste, or prey upon.
- Wild boars often depredate the farmer's cornfield at night. (They destroy and eat the crop.)
Depredation (noun): the act of plundering or laying waste; destruction caused by a depredator.
- The depredation of the ancient temple by treasure hunters was heartbreaking. (The act of damaging and stealing.)
Synonyms
- Predator: an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals; also, a person who exploits others.
- Plunderer: someone who steals goods violently, especially during war or conflict.
- Ravager: one who causes severe damage or destruction.
Related Idioms
"A wolf in sheep's clothing": someone who appears harmless but is actually a depredator.
- The friendly neighbor turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, a depredator who stole from everyone. (A deceptive person who preys on others.)
"To spoil the land": to act as a depredator by causing ruin to a place.
- The mining company spoiled the land, leaving it barren and worthless. (They acted as depredators, destroying the environment.)