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

Binam's immigration case, however, predates the current campaign for her release. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

More than half of its 2,400 miles cross Indian Country, often following older Native paths through communities that predated it. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

United’s struggle to break down stubborn defensive sides is a problem that predates Carrick. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The author's decade-long experience with ReSound Made for iPhone hearing aids, which predated AirPods in direct streaming, showcases accessibility leading mainstream tech. — Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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