prey

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Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Via Middle English and Old French preie from Latin praeda

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
prey

Plural
uncountable

prey (uncountable)

  1. (archaic) Anything, as goods, etc., taken or got by violence; anything taken by force from an enemy in war; spoil; booty; plunder.
  2. That which is or may be seized by animals or birds to be devoured; hence, a person given up as a victim.
  3. A living thing that is eaten by another living thing.
    The rabbit was eaten by the coyote, so the rabbit is the coyote's prey.

[edit] Usage notes

Though often confused, prey applies to all living things, not just animals.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to prey

Third person singular
preys

Simple past
preyed

Past participle
preyed

Present participle
preying

to prey (third-person singular simple present preys, present participle preying, simple past and past participle preyed)

  1. To victimize, hunt, attack or plunder.
  2. To devour.
  3. To exert harmful influence.

[edit] Anagrams

[edit] References