prey

/prei/
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prey

A hawk circles high above, searching for its prey in the open field.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • An animal that is hunted and killed by another animal for food: This is the primary biological meaning, referring to the animal that is the target of a predator.
    • A person who is a victim of harm, exploitation, or attack: This figurative meaning describes someone who is targeted by a hostile person, influence, or negative circumstance.

  2. Verb:

    • To hunt and kill for food: Used for animals that hunt other animals.
    • To exploit or victimize someone: To take advantage of someone's weakness or vulnerability.
    • To have a harmful, worrying, or obsessive effect on someone's mind: When a thought or problem persistently troubles someone.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun:

    • The lion stalked its prey silently through the tall grass.
    • Elderly people are often the prey of scam artists.
    • He fell prey to a mysterious illness.

  • Verb:

    • Owls prey on mice and other small rodents.
    • The fraudulent scheme preyed upon people's hopes for quick wealth.
    • Guilt over the mistake preyed on her mind for years.
Advanced Usage

  • "to be/become/fall prey to something": To be caught, harmed, or overcome by something negative.

    • Without proper maintenance, the old building fell prey to decay.
    • She became prey to anxiety before every major exam.

  • "prey on/upon someone's mind": To cause someone persistent worry or distress.

    • The unanswered question continued to prey on his mind.
Variants and Related Words
  • Predator (n): An animal that naturally preys on others; a person who ruthlessly exploits others.
    • The shark is an apex predator.
  • Predatory (adj): Relating to or characterized by plundering, exploiting, or preying on others.
    • The company was accused of predatory pricing.
Synonyms
  • Noun: Quarry, game, victim, target.
  • Verb: Hunt, stalk, exploit, victimize, trouble, haunt.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Prey on/upon: This is the standard construction for the verb.
    • Cybercriminals prey on unsuspecting internet users.
    • The disease preys upon the weakest members of the population.
Related Idioms
  • Bird/Beast of prey: A bird or animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.
    • The eagle is a majestic bird of prey.
  • Fair game: Someone or something considered a legitimate target for criticism, attack, or exploitation. (Note: This is a related idiom, not a direct variant of "prey").
    • After his controversial statement, he felt he was fair game for the media.
prey

A hawk circles high above, searching for its prey in the open field.

Noun
  1. animal hunted or caught for food
  2. a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
    • he fell prey to muggers
    • everyone was fair game
    • the target of a manhunt
Verb
  1. prey on or hunt for
    • These mammals predate certain eggs
  2. profit from in an exploitatory manner
    • He feeds on her insecurity

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