predation

American  

[pri-dey-shuhn] / prɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. depredation; plundering.

2. act of plundering or robbing.

3. predatory behavior.

4. a relation between animals in which one organism captures and feeds on others.

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predation British  

/ prɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. a relationship between two species of animal in a community, in which one (the predator) hunts, kills, and eats the other (the prey)

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Etymology

Origin of predation

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin praedātiōn-, stem of praedātiō “a plundering,” from praedāt(us) “plundered” (past participle of praedārī “to plunder, pillage”; predator ) + -iō -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

"With this kind of predation, the status quo... just isn't possible," added Environment Minister Mathieu Lefevre, whose office said the change would be made official "in the coming weeks" in an executive order.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

In those cases, high levels of puma predation made the situation worse but were not the primary cause.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2026

We also learn that many sharks form social groups: Sharks of similar size band together as juveniles to avoid predation, and females will often stay in sex-segregated groups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Puffins are a priority species in Northern Ireland and red-listed in the UK, putting them in the highest conservation concern bracket due to food shortages, climate change, and predation by invasive species.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2025

There is nothing resembling predation, and no pretense of an adversary stance on either side.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas