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prey

prey

 
 
pronunciation:
preI
parts of speech:
noun, intransitive verb
phrases:
prey on one's mind
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Homophone Note, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the object of a hunt or pursuit, usu. one animal caught and eaten by another.
The lion has caught sight of its prey.Rabbits are a favorite prey of coyotes.
synonyms:
game, quarry
similar words:
catch, chase, kill, mark, the chase, victim
definition 2: one that becomes a victim.
The con man marked her as his prey.
synonyms:
patsy, victim
similar words:
dupe, gull, martyr, scapegoat, target
definition 3: the act or characteristic of preying.
A hawk is a bird of prey.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: preys, preying, preyed
definition 1: to hunt, catch, and eat an animal or insect.
Large fish prey on smaller ones.
 
synonyms:
stalk
similar words:
chase, consume, devour, feed, hunt, pursue, track
definition 2: to take advantage of or victimize someone.
The swindler preyed exclusively on elderly people.
synonyms:
victimize
similar words:
stalk
definition 3: to have an unsettling or harmful effect, as on the mind.
Guilt preyed on his conscience.
similar words:
consume, preoccupy, weigh, worry
definition 4: to attack or raid and pillage.
Lawless men preyed upon the defenseless town.
synonyms:
loot, raid, ravage
similar words:
destroy, pillage, pirate
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: prey on one's mind
Homophone Note
The words prey and pray (to speak to God) sound alike but have different meanings.
Word Explorer
See
  fish, spider