Prey
As a Noun
- An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
- A person who is vulnerable to harm, deception, or exploitation.
As a Verb
- To hunt, capture, or exploit someone or something.
As Other Form
- Predator (Noun): An animal or person that hunts or exploits others.
Word History
The word prey comes from the Latin praeda, meaning “booty” or “plunder,” which later evolved to refer to hunted animals and victims of exploitation. The term has been used in both literal (wildlife) and figurative (human vulnerability) senses.
Examples
- The eagle swooped down to catch its prey.
- Scammers often prey on elderly people.
- In the wild, smaller animals are natural prey for larger predators.
Synonyms
Victim, target, quarry, game, casualty
Related Words
Hunt, predator, capture, exploitation
Antonyms
Predator, hunter, attacker, victor