adjective
predatory
PRED-uh-tor-ee/ˈpredətɔːri/
Hunting other animals for food.
The predatory shark circles the small fish it intends to catch.
Etymology
The underlying image is a plunderer taking what belongs to others. The word's original connection with pillaging helps explain its application to people or practices that exploit others as prey.
In context
it is understood that scp-478 are somewhat predatory and normally prey exclusively on humans under the age of 25.
More examples
- Ladybugs are predatory insects that feed on aphids.
- The pond supports several predatory fish.
- A cat's predatory instincts can make it chase moving toys.
Forms
Similar words
- carnivorous
- Describes eating animal flesh, but not necessarily hunting it.