predator

Meaning

A predator is a person or animal that hunts, catches, and eats other animals. In a figurative sense, it can describe someone who deliberately exploits or harms vulnerable people.

Context and usage

• Animals: “Lions are predators.”
• People: It may refer to a criminal or exploitative person, especially one who targets people who are vulnerable. This use is serious and often negative.
• Business or competition: Less commonly, it can describe an aggressive competitor.

Synonyms and related words

• hunter — an animal or person that hunts
• carnivore — an animal that mainly eats meat
• prey — the animal or person targeted by a predator
• stalker — someone who secretly follows or persistently harasses someone; not always identical in meaning
• exploiter — someone who unfairly takes advantage of others

Informal variations

• apex predator — a predator at the top of a food chain, with few or no natural predators.
• predatory — adjective: acting like a predator; exploitative or aggressively opportunistic.

Etymology

“Predator” comes from Latin praedator, meaning “plunderer” or “one who takes booty.” It is related to prey.

Examples

1. The wolf is a skilled predator that hunts in packs.
2. Small fish hide among rocks to avoid predators.
3. The documentary explained how predators maintain balance in an ecosystem.
4. The organization teaches children how to recognize and report online predators.
5. Some critics called the company a predator because it targeted people with expensive loans.
6. An eagle can spot its prey from far above the ground.