WordGarden.iopredator
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈɛdətə/
US
- /ˈprɛdətər/
Meanings
Noun
an animal that hunts and eats other animals
a person who deliberately exploits, abuses, or targets others
Beyond the definition
A predator isn't just a scary animal in the jungle; it's any animal that hunts other animals for food. Think of lions chasing zebras, sharks circling schools of fish, or even spiders trapping insects. But the word can also be used figuratively. A predatory lender, for example, takes advantage of people in financial trouble. The context will tell you whether we're talking about a wild animal or harmful human behavior.
The word "predator" evokes images of powerful animals stalking their prey, but it's more than just a biological term. At its core, a predator is an organism that survives by hunting, capturing, and consuming other organisms—the prey. This relationship is fundamental to ecosystems; predators help control populations and maintain balance in nature. You'll find predators across all environments: from polar bears in the Arctic to hawks soaring through the sky, and even praying mantises lurking amongst flowers.
However, "predator" has expanded beyond the animal kingdom. We use it metaphorically to describe anyone who exploits or takes advantage of others. A "predatory" business practice involves unfairly profiting from someone's misfortune. A con artist is a predator, preying on trust and vulnerability. A predatory gaze might suggest someone sizing you up with malicious intent.
The key to understanding the word lies in recognizing the act of preying—seeking out and exploiting something weaker for one's own benefit. It's about power dynamics, survival, and often, a lack of ethical consideration. So whether it's a lion on the savanna or a ruthless competitor in business, a predator is defined by its drive to hunt and consume, leaving others vulnerable in its wake.
Examples
- 1
Animal danger
The rabbit froze when it sensed a predator nearby.
- 2
Night hunting
Owls are skilled predators that hunt mostly at night.
- 3
Natural balance
In many forests, wolves are a natural predator of deer.
- 4
Food chain
Sharks are often described as apex predators.
- Phraseapex predator
an animal at the top of its food chain
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wildlife documentary
The documentary explains the balance between predators and prey.
- Phrasepredators and prey
animals that hunt and animals that are hunted
- 6
Online safety
Parents were warned about online predators who try to contact children.
- 7
Business exploitation
The company was accused of acting like a predator, buying weak rivals during the crisis.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- predatornoun
Forms
- predatorspluralnoun