prey
noun
an animal hunted or seized for food, especially by a carnivorous animal.
were preying
-
past progressiveof prey.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Asked if he felt people were preying on his desperation, he said: "Not really. I didn't have much choice or time, so I was offered a way out and took it."
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
Wiedenmann was convinced: The corals were preying on the algae.
From Science Magazine ● Aug. 22, 2023
Only fish and game officials could authorize killing them, if they were preying on humans or livestock.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2022
Instead, in the wake of attacks on Paris and San Bernardino, it often felt like the candidates were preying on the electorate’s fear, anxiety and sense of vulnerability.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 16, 2015
These three operated all the way from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland, attempting by these tactics to create the impression that dozens of hostile U-boats were preying upon our commerce and threatening our shores.
From The Victory At Sea by Burton J. Hendrick
