prey

//preɪ//
B2Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of prey

Noun

preySingular
preyPlural
1

An animal that is hunted and killed by another animal for food.

The lion chased its prey across the grassland.

2

A person who is harmed or deceived by someone or something.

The elderly often fall prey to telephone scams.

Antonym

Verb

preyInfinitive
preyPresent tense
preyedPast tense
preyedPast participle
preyingPresent participle
preysThird-person singular
1

To hunt and kill another animal for food.

Owls prey on mice and other small animals.

2

To exploit or harm someone, especially someone vulnerable.

Scammers often prey on elderly people who live alone.

Synonym