prey on/upon someone's mind
1 of 2phrase (1)
: to make someone worry : to be constantly on someone's mind
Her growing debts preyed on her mind.
The thought that he could have done better preyed on his mind.
prey/weigh on someone's mind
2 of 2phrase (2)
: to be causing someone worry
These problems have been preying/weighing on his mind.
Cite this Entry
“Prey on/upon someone's mind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prey%20on%2Fupon%20someone%27s%20mind. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
