Definition Definition

prey - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'prey' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Prey [ n.]
- Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder.
- That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim.
- The act of devouring other creatures; ravage.
- To take booty; to gather spoil; to ravage; to take food by violence.

Meaning of 'prey' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . prey [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
Example in sentence:
  • everyone was fair game;
  • he fell prey to muggers;
  • the target of a manhunt
2 . prey [ v]
Meaning (2):
- profit from in an exploitatory manner
Example in sentence:
  • He feeds on her insecurity
Meaning (3):
- prey on or hunt for
Example in sentence:
  • These mammals predate certain eggs