predator

[pred-uh-ter, -tawr]

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.

predator

/ ˈprɛdətə /

noun

1. any carnivorous animal

2. a predatory person or thing

predator

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

Other Word Forms

• antipredator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of predator¹

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

The study shows wildebeest frequently crisscross the Sand River and the areas surrounding the Ritz-Carlton, even though they avoid forested areas nestling the camp due to the risk of predators.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although it’s a relatively small number, it represents a stunning recovery for the apex predators, which were hunted and trapped into extinction in the 1920s.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In some reintroduction efforts, the animals actually have to be trained—taught—how to be wild: how to find food, avoid predators, seek shelter.

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"People like that are just predators, absolute scum."

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The findings also support the development of dynamic marine protected areas that can adapt to real-time shifts in predator and prey behavior.

Read more on Science Daily