predate

1 of 2

verb (1)

pre·​date (ˌ)prē-ˈdāt 

predated; predating; predates

transitive verb

: antedate

predate

2 of 2

verb (2)

pre·​date pri-ˈdāt 

predated; predating; predates

transitive + intransitive

: to prey on (something or someone)

Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.

—Jenny Diski

Are high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?

—Alex McKinnon

All cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.

—Kevin Stafford

There are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.

—Revati

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• antecede
• antedate
• forego
• precede
• preexist

Examples of predate in a Sentence

Verb (1)

modes of transportation that predate the car

the native people who predated European settlers in America

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Much of his most successful output predates the list, which was introduced in 2020 alongside the Billboard Global 200—though some of those cuts have found their way to the rankings. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

It was imposed by the Fed in 2018 for misdeeds that predated the current leadership. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2024

Adrian Smith and Dave Murray have a history that predates Dickinson’s arrival on the scene. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2024

Join 5 others in the comments View Comments The Westminster Dog Show, first held in 1877, is America’s second-oldest continuous sporting event and predates the invention of both the lightbulb and the automobile. —Erika Tulfo, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

back-formation from predator or predatory

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

predate

verb

pre·​date (ˈ)prē-ˈdāt 

: antedate sense 1