predation

[pri-dey-shuhn]

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.

predation

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of predation¹

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

A NatureScot spokesperson said they would be inspecting sea eagle nest sites near Mr Cameron's home as part of their work to tackle the wider problem of predation.

From BBC

Jill smiles through her husband’s verbal abuse, while her man of God turns a blind eye to his youth pastor’s predation on teen girls.

From Salon

When a male locates a female tarantula, he “initiates a courtship ritual involving rhythmic tapping and vibration to signal his presence and avoid predation,” McCamish said.

From Los Angeles Times

It said it was aware of the current significant difficulties being experienced due to the "predation of octopus within shellfish pots".

From BBC

"Most predators in the UK would quite happily take a water vole. They need to be able to cope with this heavy predation and replace themselves a lot," he said.

From BBC