predatory animal
Definition
Noun: A predatory animal is any animal that survives by hunting, killing, and consuming other animals for food. These animals are adapted for capturing prey, often possessing traits like sharp teeth, claws, keen senses, speed, or stealth.
Usage
The term is used to describe an animal's ecological role as a hunter. It is a formal or biological term. - The lion is a classic example of a predatory animal. - Predatory animals play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem by controlling prey populations.
Advanced Usage
- In a figurative sense: While the core meaning is biological, the term can be applied metaphorically to describe a person or organization that aggressively exploits others.
- The corporation was accused of being a predatory animal in the marketplace, ruthlessly eliminating competition.
Variants and Related Words
- Predator (n): A more common and direct synonym for a predatory animal.
- Predatory (adj): Describing the behavior or characteristics of such an animal (e.g., predatory instincts).
- Carnivore (n): An animal that eats meat. While all predatory animals are carnivores, not all carnivores are active predators (some are scavengers).
Synonyms
- Hunter
- Carnivore (in the context of meat-eating)
- Beast of prey
Antonyms
- Prey animal
- Herbivore
Noun
-
any animal that lives by preying on other animals
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