prey on

Idioms  

1. Plunder or pillage; also, make a profit at someone else's expense, victimize. For example, Vikings preyed on the coastal towns of England , or The rich have been preying on the poor for centuries . [Late 1500s]

2. Hunt, especially in order to eat, as in Their cat preys on all the rodents in the neighborhood . [c. 1600]

3. Exert a baneful or injurious effect, as in Guilt preyed on his mind . [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

They say the schemes prey on fear of the legal system and the social stigma that comes with being associated with criminal investigations, trapping even highly educated professionals.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Her ability to deceptively influence others, whether in person or online, has now come to an end. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who uses deception and manipulation to prey on others.”

From Los Angeles Times

Westfield said grey seals were known to occasionally prey on smaller harbour porpoises in Welsh waters, but there had not previously been a report involving common dolphins.

From BBC

Dr Izzy Langley, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said there was growing evidence grey seals prey on a wider range of marine mammals than previously thought.

From BBC

"Our message is clear, those who prey on our children will pay a hefty price," said US attorney Kelly Hayes for the District of Maryland.

From BBC

Related Words

• bully
• devour
• exploit
• feed on
• fleece
• haunt
• intimidate
• oppress
• plunder
• take advantage of
• victimize