Predator
/ˈprɛd.ɪ.tər/
Meaning & Definition
noun
An animal that hunts other animals for food.
The lion is a top predator in the African savannah.
A person or group that exploits others for personal gain.
In the corporate world, some individuals act as predators, taking advantage of their weaker competitors.
An organism that primarily obtains food by feeding on other organisms.
The hawk is a skilled predator, swooping down to catch its prey.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin 'predator', from 'praedari' meaning 'to plunder'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
top predator
The highest level of a food chain that is not preyed upon by other animals.
predator-prey relationship
The dynamics of interaction between a predator and its prey.
Related Words
prey
An animal that is hunted and killed by another for food.
scavenger
An animal or person that feeds on dead or decaying matter.
Slang Meanings
A harmful person who exploits others, often used in a context of personal relationships.
He's a total predator in the dating scene, always chasing vulnerable partners.
An aggressive player in a business environment, who takes advantage of weaker competitors.
In the corporate world, he's known as a predator, always trying to eat up smaller firms.