predator

[pred-uh-ter, -tawr]

noun

1. Zoology.,  any organism that exists by preying upon other organisms.

   Cats are carnivorous predators.

2. a person or group that plunders, pillages, or robs, as in war.

   The Vikings were barbarian predators.

3. a person, group, or business that exploits, victimizes, or preys on others: corporate predators who go after smaller rivals.

   a sexual predator who targets children;

   corporate predators who go after smaller rivals.

4. an overbearing, greedy or selfish person.

predator

/ ˈprɛdətə /

noun

1. any carnivorous animal

2. a predatory person or thing

predator

1. An animal that lives by capturing and eating other animals.

Other Word Forms

• antipredator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of predator¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin praedātor “plunderer, pillager,” equivalent to praedā(rī) “to plunder, pillage” (derivative of praeda “booty, plunder”) + -tor, agent noun suffix; prey, -tor

Example Sentences

Mr Cameron said that the behaviour of the foals' mothers suggested the animals were taken by a predator.

From BBC

When Bennet Tarlow, an influential Orange County developer, is found eviscerated by a mountain lion in Caspers Wilderness Park, homicide detective Lew Gale — a former Marine sniper — is sent to track and kill the predator.

From Los Angeles Times

“America has been invaded by criminals and predators,” the recruitment posts on social media read.

From Los Angeles Times

But after his trial, detectives - having described Zou as one of the UK's "most prolific predators" - said they feared he may have attacked 50 more women.

From BBC

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Russian leader "a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep" and expressed "the greatest doubt" that he would be willing to work towards peace.

From BBC