noun / verb
prey
PRAY/preɪ/
An animal targeted by another for food.
A fox stalks a rabbit that could become its prey.
Etymology
Latin praeda covered both plunder and hunted game, linking prey with something taken or captured. The animal sense focuses on what a predator hunts and eats.
In context
The scat is usually solid segments containing some hair and fibers from their prey.
More examples
- Owls locate their prey by listening for movement.
- Many snakes prey on mice and other small animals.
- Scammers prey on people who are desperate for money.
Forms
prey · preys · preyed · preying