WordGarden.ioprey
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prˈeɪ/
US
- /ˈpreɪ/
Meanings
Noun
an animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal
a person or group that is vulnerable to attack or exploitation
Verb
to hunt and feed on other animals
to target or exploit someone who is vulnerable
Beyond the definition
Imagine a lion stalking across the savanna - its prey is the gazelle it plans to hunt. But "prey" is not just about lions and gazelles. It can also mean a person or group that is easy to harm, trick, or take advantage of. A scam artist's prey might be older people, while a bully's prey could be a smaller child. Sometimes, "prey" can even describe something less direct - like falling prey to fear and letting it take over. The idea is always the same: someone or something is in danger from a stronger force.
The word "prey" most commonly refers to an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food. Think of a mouse as the prey of an owl, or a fish as the prey of a shark. This is its original meaning, rooted in the natural world where survival depends on who hunts whom.
However, "prey" has expanded beyond just animals. It now describes anyone or anything that is vulnerable to harm, exploitation, or attack. A con artist's prey are often trusting people; a human predator's prey might be children. The term implies a power imbalance - one side is weaker and at risk from the other.
Interestingly, "prey" can also be used metaphorically, especially in the phrase "to fall prey to." This describes being overcome or consumed by something negative. You might say "he fell prey to anxiety," meaning he was helplessly overtaken by it. Or, "she fell prey to temptation," suggesting she succumbed to a desire despite knowing better. This usage highlights the feeling of being vulnerable to a force stronger than oneself.
So, whether describing the natural food chain, vulnerable individuals, or internal struggles, "prey" always carries the sense of vulnerability and being at risk from a stronger force. It's a word that speaks to both physical danger and emotional hardship.
Examples
- 1
Animal hunting
The owl waited silently in the tree, watching for prey.
- 2
Food chain
Small fish are prey for many larger animals.
- 3
Hunting birds
Eagles, hawks, and owls are birds of prey.
- Phrasebirds of prey
birds that hunt other animals
- 4
Vulnerable people
The scammer saw lonely people as easy prey.
- Phraseeasy prey
someone who is easy to trick, attack, or control
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online scams
Many users fell prey to a fake message that looked official.
- Patternfall prey to + danger/trick
be harmed or fooled by it
- 6
Crime context
The gang preyed on tourists near the station.
- Patternprey on + person
take advantage of someone weaker or less prepared
- 7
Worry
The fear of losing her job preyed on her mind all weekend.
- Phraseprey on someone's mind
keep worrying them
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- preynounverb
Forms
- preying-ing formverbnoun
- preyedpast tenseverbnoun
- preysverbnoun