Prey

/preɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An animal hunted or seized for food, especially by a predator.

The eagle swooped down to catch its prey.

A person or animal that is the target of an attack, exploitation, or deception.

She felt like an easy prey in the hands of the con artist.

verb

To hunt or catch as prey.

The lion preys on the weaker animals in the herd.

To take advantage of someone or something, especially in a predatory way.

The investors preyed on the small business owners during the economic downturn.

Middle English 'preye', from Old French 'preie', from Latin 'praeda' meaning 'loot, booty'.

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.

predator

An animal that preys on others.

hunter

A person or animal that hunts.

scavenger

An animal that feeds on dead or decaying matter.

A target in a joking manner.

You're just my prey when I’m looking for someone to prank.

Someone easily fooled or manipulated.

Don't be such easy prey in this deal.