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

Except that Finley won’t entertain the possibility that American exhaustion with wars predates TikTok. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

An ancient refuge The Okefenokee has a long, rich human history that predates its designation as a federal wildlife refuge or even its discovery by European settlers. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

In fact, both Spa and the Belgian Grand Prix predate the F1 world championship, with its first race held in 1922. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026

The band was associated with the grunge and riot grrrr scenes, but predated both movements’ mainstream moments. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 July 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