Cool MatePrey
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.