predator

American  

[pred-uh-ter, -tawr] / ˈprɛd ə tər, -ˌtɔr /

noun

1. Zoology. any organism that exists by preying upon other organisms.

   Cats are carnivorous predators.

2. a person or group that plunders, pillages, or robs, as in war.

   The Vikings were barbarian predators.

3. a person, group, or business that exploits, victimizes, or preys on others: corporate predators who go after smaller rivals.

   a sexual predator who targets children;

   corporate predators who go after smaller rivals.

4. an overbearing, greedy or selfish person.

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predator British  

/ ˈprɛdətə /

noun

1. any carnivorous animal

2. a predatory person or thing

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predator Scientific  

/ prĕd′ə-tər /

1. An animal that lives by capturing and eating other animals.

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Other Word Forms

• antipredator noun

Etymology

Origin of predator

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin praedātor “plunderer, pillager,” equivalent to praedā(rī) “to plunder, pillage” (derivative of praeda “booty, plunder”) + -tor, agent noun suffix; prey, -tor

Example Sentences

"Ravens can cover large distances by flying, and they seem to have a good memory, so they don't need to constantly follow wolves in order to profit from the predators," says Loretto.

From Science Daily

Asian hornets arrived in Jersey in 2016 and I&E said they are treated as an invasive species because they are aggressive predators of native insects and pose a threat to honey bees.

From BBC

New research reveals that bull sharks form social relationships with specific "friends," challenging the long-standing belief that these predators live mostly solitary lives.

From Science Daily

The big cats and other hunters that these foragers feared had many fewer eccrine sweat glands than humans; predators had to stay cool in the daytime by hunkering in the shade.

From The Wall Street Journal

Combining direct sightings with modern tracking technologies could help scientists develop evidence based conservation strategies to protect this iconic predator.

From Science Daily