Meaning & Definition of word "Prey"
to
Prey
/preɪ/
noun:
- 1. An animal hunted or seized for food, especially by a predator.
- Example: The eagle swooped down to catch its prey.
- 2. A person or animal that is the target of an attack, exploitation, or deception.
- Example: She felt like an easy prey in the hands of the con artist.
verb:
- 1. To hunt or catch as prey.
- Example: The lion preys on the weaker animals in the herd.
- 2. To take advantage of someone or something, especially in a predatory way.
- Example: The investors preyed on the small business owners during the economic downturn.
Etymology
Middle English 'preye', from Old French 'preie', from Latin 'praeda' meaning 'loot, booty'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
easy prey:
Someone or something that is vulnerable or easily attacked.
prey on:
To exploit or take advantage of someone or something.
prey upon:
To hunt, attack, or exploit someone or something.
Related Words
predator:
An animal that preys on others.
hunter:
A person or animal that hunts.
scavenger:
An animal that feeds on dead or decaying matter.
Slang Meanings of prey
Meaning: A target in a joking manner.
Example Sentence: You're just my prey when I’m looking for someone to prank.
Meaning: Someone easily fooled or manipulated.
Example Sentence: Don't be such easy prey in this deal.