predator

Pronunciation

• American English: /ˈprɛdədər/
• IPA: /ˈpredətə(r)/

Origin

From Latin "praedator," meaning "plunderer," derived from "praedari" (to rob) and ultimately from "praeda" (prey, booty).

Meanings

1. An animal that naturally preys on others.
2. A person or group that ruthlessly exploits others.

Example Sentences

1. Lions are apex predators in the African savanna.
2. The shark circled its prey, a classic example of a marine predator.
3. The company was accused of being a corporate predator, aggressively taking over smaller businesses.
4. Online predators pose a significant threat to children's safety on the internet.

Related Words

• Verb: predate
• Adjective: predatory
• Noun: predation
• Synonyms: hunter, carnivore, stalker

Memorization Trick

Think "PRE-DATE-or" - a predator often comes before (pre) the date of its prey's demise. This creature is essentially setting the "date" for its prey's end.