predate

1 of 2

verb (1)

pre·​date (ˌ)prē-ˈdāt 

predated; predating; predates

transitive verb

: antedate

predate

2 of 2

verb (2)

pre·​date pri-ˈdāt 

predated; predating; predates

transitive + intransitive

: to prey on (something or someone)

Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.

—Jenny Diski

Are high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?

—Alex McKinnon

All cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.

—Kevin Stafford

There are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.

—Revati

Synonyms of predate

Verb (1)

• precede

Examples of predate in a Sentence

Verb (1)

modes of transportation that predate the car

the native people who predated European settlers in America

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The history of the instrument dates back to the 13th century and predates the piano. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

Kennedy’s proclivity for working out in belted denim long predates the knowing wink with which it’s now displayed. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026

The book features over 70 historical workwear garments—some predating the invention of modern blue jeans—and more than 350 photographs spanning cabinet cards, cartes de visite, real photo postcards, tintypes, and stereoscopic photo cards. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

And reports predate his first big TV interview. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

back-formation from predator or predatory

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for predate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

predate

verb

pre·​date (ˈ)prē-ˈdāt 

: antedate sense 1