prey
//preɪ//
Translation
prey
Definition
Prey refers to an animal that is hunted and killed by another animal for food. In a broader sense, it can also mean a person or thing that is vulnerable to attack, harm, or exploitation. This term is commonly used in ecological contexts to describe the predator-prey relationship, as well as metaphorically in everyday language to indicate someone who is easily taken advantage of. For example, in the wild, a rabbit is often prey for a fox, while in social situations, a naive person might become prey to a scammer. The word emphasizes the role of being hunted or targeted, rather than the act of hunting itself.
Example
“The lion stalked its prey through the tall grass.”
“Small fish are common prey for larger marine animals like sharks.”
“Elderly people can sometimes become prey to online fraudsters.”
“The hawk swooped down to catch its prey in the field.”
“In the forest, mice are frequent prey for owls at night.”
“She felt like prey under the intense scrutiny of the audience.”
“The cheetah uses its speed to outrun its prey on the savanna.”
“Tourists in crowded areas can be easy prey for pickpockets.”
“The spider web is designed to trap unsuspecting prey like flies.”
“During the drought, many animals became prey to starvation and disease.”
Synonyms