predator

The word “predator” means an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals. In plain terms, a hunter — literally an animal that eats other animals, or figuratively a person who takes advantage of others.

“Predator” is pronounced PREHD-uh-tuh (/ˈpɹɛd.ə.tɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “predator” used in a sentence: “Wolves are apex predators in many forest ecosystems.”

“Predator” is a noun.

The word “predator” comes from Latin. From Latin praedator, \"plunderer,\" from praedari, \"to loot or pillage,\" from praeda, \"spoils or prey.\".

“Predator” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Predator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals.

A predator is an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals, while prey is the animal being hunted and eaten. The same species can sometimes be both, such as a fox that preys on rabbits but is itself prey to larger predators.

A predator actively hunts and kills other animals for food, while a scavenger feeds on animals that are already dead, whether killed by predators, disease, or other causes. Some animals, like hyenas, can act as both predators and scavengers depending on circumstances.

When applied to a person, predator describes someone who exploits or preys on others, especially the vulnerable, often in a harmful or manipulative way. This figurative use carries a strongly negative connotation and is common in discussions of abuse or exploitation.