prey

/prei/

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Explanation of the Word "Prey"

Definition: The word "prey" can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: Use "prey" when talking about animals in the food chain or people who are victims of negative actions.
• As a verb: Use "prey" when describing the action of hunting or exploiting.

Examples:

• Noun: "The lion stalked its prey in the tall grass."
• Noun (person): "He fell prey to the scams online."
• Verb: "The hawk preys on small birds and rodents."

Advanced Usage:

• In a figurative sense, you can say someone "preys on" another person's fears or insecurities, which means they take advantage of those weaknesses.

Word Variants:

• Prey (noun): singular form
• Preys (noun): plural form
• Preyed (verb): past tense of the verb "prey"
• Preying (verb): present participle of the verb "prey"

Different Meanings:

• In a biological context, "prey" refers specifically to animals hunted for food.
• In social contexts, it refers to individuals or groups who are vulnerable to exploitation or harm.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: victim, target, quarry (for animals)
• For the verb: hunt, exploit, take advantage of

Idioms:

• Fair game: This means that someone or something is considered a legitimate target for criticism or attack. For example, "In debates, politicians are often fair game for tough questions."

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct phrasal verbs specifically using "prey," but you might encounter phrases like "prey on" which is commonly used to describe taking advantage of someone.

Summary:

The word "prey" is important in discussing food chains in nature as well as in describing social situations where individuals may be vulnerable to harm.

Academic

Noun

1. animal hunted or caught for food
2. a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
   • he fell prey to muggers
   • everyone was fair game
   • the target of a manhunt

Verb

1. prey on or hunt for
   • These mammals predate certain eggs
2. profit from in an exploitatory manner
   • He feeds on her insecurity

Synonyms

• quarry
• target
• fair game
• raven
• predate
• feed