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Intermediate Dictionary
       

prey

 
 
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
definition 2: a person that becomes a victim.
He was the prey of a scheme to steal his money.
synonyms:
victim
similar words:
target
definition 3: the habit or typical action of preying.
Eagles are birds of prey.
 
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
definition 2: to cheat or harm someone; to take advantage of another person.
The bully preyed on smaller classmates.
similar words:
stalk
definition 3: to bother or distress.
Guilt preyed on her mind.
similar words:
consume, weigh, worry
Homophone Note
The words prey and pray (to speak to God) sound alike but have different meanings.
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  fish, spider