prey
noun
an animal hunted or seized for food, especially by a carnivorous animal.
preyed
-
past participleof prey.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof prey.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
preynounan animal hunted or seized for food, especially by a carnivorous animal.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Octopuses are like cats: they will sneak up on their prey and pounce, and they want to do so as fast as possible, so that they don't become preyed upon," Tse says.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026
Before passing sentence, Judge Jessica Peterson told Chasing Horse he preyed on women's spirituality, adding: "You manipulated them for your own personal gratification."
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
That very vulnerability is what is preyed upon by perpetrators.
From Salon ● Nov. 23, 2025
The case against her was threadbare, a product of postwar rancor, false testimony and manipulative journalists who had preyed on her naivete.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2025
The predator and the preyed upon exist not alone, but as part of a vast web of life, all of which needs to be taken into account.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
