plural prey also preys
preyed; preying
1
a
: to seize and devour prey
b
: to commit violence or robbery or fraud
2
: to have an injurious, destructive, or wasting effect
worry preyed upon his mind
3
: to make raids for the sake of booty
preyer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of prey in a Sentence
Noun
The lion stalked its prey.
The bird circled above looking for prey.
The seals are easy prey for sharks.
Too often elderly people are easy prey for swindlers and other criminals.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Enquirer, 27 Apr. 2024
Like other scented geraniums, citronella plants can also fall prey to root rot and fungal problems when kept in soggy soil.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prey 
Noun
While diving to catch prey, peregrines can fly faster than 200 mph.
—The Enquirer, 27 Apr. 2024
Like other scented geraniums, citronella plants can also fall prey to root rot and fungal problems when kept in soggy soil.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prey
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prey. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prey
2 of 2 verb
preyed; preying
1
a
: to seize and eat something as prey
b
: to do violent or dishonest acts
robbers who preyed on travelers
2
: to have a harmful effect
fears that prey on the mind
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