Definition of predation
1 : the act of preying or plundering : depredation
2 : a mode of life in which food is primarily obtained by the killing and consuming of animals
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Recent Examples of predation from the Web
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Boechler said sea lion predation may have been a factor, but an assessment isn't completed.
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At first, Mary loved the deer, but eventually the couple fenced 5 acres to protect the gardens from predation.
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Even though the predation attempt failed, the researchers behind the report suggest that imitation may be an effective hunting strategy for margays.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'predation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of predation
Middle English predacion, from Latin praedation-, praedatio, from praedari
Other Ecology Terms
PREDATION Defined for English Language Learners
predation
playDefinition of predation for English Language Learners
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: the act of killing and eating other animals : the act of preying on other animals
Learn More about predation
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See words that rhyme with predation Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about predation
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