Meaning & Definition of word "Prey"
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.