prey
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- pronunciation:
- preI
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Homophone Note, Word Explorer
part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
an animal that is hunted or caught for food, usually by another animal. Certain plants catch prey as well.
Rabbits are a favorite prey of coyotes.The carnivorous plant closed on its prey.- synonyms:
- game
- similar words:
- catch, kill, victim
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definition 2: |
a person that becomes a victim.
He was the prey of a scheme to steal his money.- synonyms:
- victim
- similar words:
- target
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definition 3: |
the habit or typical action of preying.
Eagles are birds of prey. |
related words: |
casualty |
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part of speech: |
verb |
inflections: |
preys, preying, preyed |
definition 1: |
to hunt, catch, and eat another animal.
Foxes prey on small animals.
- similar words:
- chase, consume, devour, feed, hunt, pursue, track
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definition 2: |
to cheat or harm someone; to take advantage of another person.
The bully preyed on smaller classmates.- similar words:
- stalk
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definition 3: |
to bother or distress.
Guilt preyed on her mind.- similar words:
- consume, weigh, worry
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The words
prey and
pray (to speak to God) sound alike but have different meanings.