prey

1 of 2

noun

ˈprā 

plural prey also preys

1

a

: an animal taken by a predator as food

b

: one that is helpless or unable to resist attack : victim

was prey to his own appetites

2

: the act or habit of preying

3

archaic : spoil, booty

prey

2 of 2

verb

preyed; preying

intransitive verb

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

Synonyms

Noun

• chase
• quarry

Verb

• feed (on, upon, or off)

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

Noun

The stings are designed to drive off predators or immobilize prey. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024

Joro spiders use their venom to subdue their prey, primarily insects. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024

Verb

Crankbaits: Usually trolled via a flatline or lead-core or run off to one side of the boat with a side planer, crankbaits mimic the small baitfish that walleyes prey on. —M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 20 June 2024

Tiger sharks are one of the most fierce species in its genus, measure about 15 feet long and often prey on turtles. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English preie, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeda; akin to Latin prehendere to grasp, seize — more at get

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French preier, from Latin praedari, from praeda

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing prey

• be/fall prey to
• bird of prey
• prey on the mind of
• prey on/upon
• prey on/upon someone's mind
• prey/weigh on someone's mind

Kids Definition

prey

1 of 2 noun

ˈprā 

1

: an animal hunted or killed by another animal for food

2

: a person who is helpless or unable to escape attack : victim

3

: the act or habit of seizing and pouncing upon

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