predator

noun

USPRED-uh-tur/ˈpɹɛd.ə.tɚ/UKPRED-uh-tuh/ˈpɹɛd.ə.tə/

Pluralpredators

3 meanings of predator

1
nouncountable
An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food.
Like a cat that chases and catches mice to eat.
A lion is a predator that hunts zebras on the open plains.
Many predators hunt at night, when their prey cannot see well.
Similarhunter, killer
Oppositeprey
Note
2
nouncountable
A person who looks for victims to abuse or harm sexually.
The new law makes it easier to catch a predator who targets children online.
Online predators often pretend to be someone they are not.
Similarabuser, molester
Oppositevictim
3
nouncountable
A person who attacks others to take money or things for themselves.
Like a robber who takes what other people have worked hard to earn.
The pirate captain was a ruthless predator who robbed ships at sea.
These business predators buy weak companies just to strip and sell their assets.
Similarraider, shark, vulture, plunderer, exploiter
Oppositeprey, victim

Practice

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Origin

From Latin praedator, from praedor meaning 'to loot or pillage,' and praeda meaning 'prey' or 'spoils.'