C1noun3K

Prey

UK /["/preɪ/"]/US /["/preɪ/"]/

Definition

an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another

In simple words: An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.

Examples

  • The lion will often stalk its prey for hours.
  • **birds of prey** *(= birds that kill for food)*
  • The young deer are ideal prey for the leopard.
  • They watched a hawk swoop down on its unsuspecting prey.
  • a cat pouncing on its prey
  • Socially isolated young people are **easy prey** for extremists.
  • Many small birds and rodents fall prey to the domestic cat.
  • Since the attack, he had fallen prey to irrational fears.
  • She knew she must not fall prey to his charm.
  • The new government has fallen prey to corruption and fraud.

Usage notes

Used mostly in discussions about animals or hunting. Avoid using it in non-animal context unless metaphorically. More common in literary or scientific discussions.

Grammar pattern

prey + on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'prey' as what a predator prays on; visualize a lion stalking its prey.

Collocations

  • easy
  • helpless
  • unsuspecting
  • chase
  • circle
  • hunt for
  • prey for
  • prey to
  • a beast of prey
  • a bird of prey
  • be prey to something
  • easy
  • helpless
  • unsuspecting
  • chase
  • circle
  • hunt for
  • prey for
  • prey to
  • a beast of prey
  • a bird of prey
  • be prey to something

Synonyms

  • victim
  • quarry
  • game
  • spoil

Antonyms

  • predator
  • hunter

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pray' — these words sound similar but have very different meanings.
  • Using 'prey' as a verb in the sense of to hunt or chase; 'prey' is usually a noun.
  • Incorrectly using 'preys' as a plural; 'prey' can refer to both single and multiple animals.