Definition of prey
prey
alsopreys
From the M-W Editors
Examples of prey in a Sentence
The lion stalked its prey.
The bird circled above looking for prey.
The seals are easy prey for sharks.
Too often elderly people are easy prey for swindlers and other criminals.
Origin and Etymology of prey
Middle English preie, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeda; akin to Latin prehendere to grasp, seize — more at get
Other Zoology Terms
prey
Definition of prey
preyed
;preying
intransitive verb
1 : to make raids for the sake of booty
2a : to seize and devour preyb : to commit violence or robbery or fraud
3 : to have an injurious, destructive, or wasting effect worry preyed upon his mind
preyer
nounOrigin and Etymology of prey
Middle English, from Anglo-French preier, from Latin praedari, from praeda
Other Zoology Terms
PREY Defined for English Language Learners
prey
playDefinition of prey for English Language Learners
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: an animal that is hunted or killed by another animal for food
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: someone who is easily harmed or affected in a bad way by someone or something
PREY Defined for Kids
Definition of prey for Students
preyed
;preying
1 : to hunt and kill for food The dogs survived by preying on small game.
2 : to have a harmful effect Fears prey on my mind.
Learn More about prey
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See words that rhyme with prey Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prey Spanish Central: Translation of prey Nglish: Translation of prey for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prey for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prey
Seen and Heard
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