Preys Meaning in English

word · lemma: prey

US

UK

Definition

'Preys' is the third person singular present form of 'prey.' It means an animal hunts and eats another, or someone takes advantage of and harms vulnerable people.

Usage & Nuances

Used mostly in biology for predator-prey relationships ("the lion preys on zebras") and figuratively for exploitative behavior ("he preys on the elderly"). Formal and in written contexts. Not to be confused with 'praise' (compliment).

• Spanish: depreda - caza (animales) - se aprovecha de (personas)
• Portuguese (BR): ataca (animais) - caça - se aproveita de (pessoas)
• Portuguese (PT): ataca (animais) - caça - aproveita-se de (pessoas)
• Chinese (Simplified): 捕食 - 欺骗（人）
• Chinese (Traditional): 捕食 - 欺騙（人）
• Hindi: शिकार करता है - लाभ उठाता है (लोगों से)
• Arabic: يفترس - يستغل (الناس)
• Bengali: শিকার করে - দুর্বলদের সুযোগ নিয়ে ক্ষতি করে
• Russian: охотится - обирает (эксплуатирует)
• Japanese: 捕食する - つけ込む
• Vietnamese: săn mồi - lợi dụng
• Korean: 사냥하다 - 약자를 이용하다
• Turkish: avlanır - (zayıfları) sömürür
• Urdu: شکار کرنا - کمزوروں کا استحصال کرنا
• Indonesian: mang săn mồi - lợi dụng

Example Sentences

She's careful because she knows some people prey on newcomers in the city.

natural

A lion preys on zebras in the wild.

basic

The cat preys on mice around the house.

basic

The hawk preys on small birds.

basic

He preys on people who trust him, taking their money.

natural

Online scams often target and prey on the elderly.

natural