plural prey also preys
preyed; preying
1
a
: to seize and devour prey
b
: to commit violence or robbery or fraud
2
: to have an injurious, destructive, or wasting effect
worry preyed upon his mind
3
: to make raids for the sake of booty
preyer
noun
Examples of prey in a Sentence
Noun
The lion stalked its prey.
The bird circled above looking for prey.
The seals are easy prey for sharks.
Too often elderly people are easy prey for swindlers and other criminals.
Verb
a fox has been preying on the chickens
Recent Examples on the Web
Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
Both types of bass are highly efficient apex predators that hunt down baitfish and other prey.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
As justice runs its course, one question swirls around the case: How was this man allegedly able to prey on so many young people for so long?
CNN has reached out to the hospitals where the crimes were allegedly committed and the French health authorities for comment.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prey
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Noun
For animals like dogs, cats, and monkeys, ear movement helps track sounds, which is crucial for detecting predators or prey.
—Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
Both types of bass are highly efficient apex predators that hunt down baitfish and other prey.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Judge Neil Chawla said Westwood had used his status and credits on shows, including BBC series Doctors, to prey on impressionable teenagers.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
As justice runs its course, one question swirls around the case: How was this man allegedly able to prey on so many young people for so long?
CNN has reached out to the hospitals where the crimes were allegedly committed and the French health authorities for comment.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prey
Cite this Entry
“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prey. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prey
2 of 2 verb
preyed; preying
1
a
: to seize and eat something as prey
b
: to do violent or dishonest acts
robbers who preyed on travelers
2
: to have a harmful effect
fears that prey on the mind
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