Predatory

/ˈprɛdəˌtɔri/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to or denoting an animal that naturally preys on others.

The predatory behavior of the hawk was evident as it circled overhead, scanning for small animals.

Having a tendency to exploit or take advantage of others.

The predatory business practices of the company led to widespread criticism and calls for regulation.

Characterized by a desire to exploit or harm others, especially in a financial context.

The predatory lending practices left many families in financial ruin.

from Middle English, derived from Latin 'praedator', meaning 'one who plunders'.

predatory behavior

actions taken to exploit or harm others.

predatory pricing

setting prices low to eliminate competition and later raise them.

predatory lending

practices that impose unfair or abusive loan terms on borrowers.

predator

an animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.

prey

an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food.

exploitation

the action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.

predatory behavior in dating

He has this predatory vibe, like he just wants to use women.

predatory marketing

That company's predatory marketing tactics are really off-putting.