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

In her view, English has too thin a vocabulary for this thing humans have grappled with across time and cultures, a desire that may predate any language or creed. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

The Nike partner’s work on dyeable polypropylene predates the Prime Polymer announcement. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

Dyer, Casto and Richardson said their plans to find a new company to run the cameras and writing a law that governs them predated the election this week and are not a reaction to the incoming new council. — Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026

His Garden ties predate his NBA ring, having led Marquette to a Big East championship at MSG in 2023. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 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