Prey upon Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɹeɪ/ /əˈpɑn

PRAY uh-PAHN

UK

pɹˈeɪ/ /əpˈɒn

pray uh-PON

Definition

To hunt and kill for food, like a predator. Also, to take advantage of or harm someone who is weaker or vulnerable.

Usage & Nuances

Can be literal (animals hunting), but often metaphorical to describe exploiting people (especially the vulnerable). Formal or semi-formal; common with crime, scams, or manipulation. Not used for casual teasing or fair competition.

• Spanish: aprovecharse de - aprovecharse (de alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): explorar - tirar vantagem de
• Portuguese (PT): explorar - aproveitar-se de
• Chinese (Simplified): 捕食 - 利用（弱者）
• Chinese (Traditional): 捕食 - 利用（弱者）
• Hindi: शिकार करना - शोषण करना
• Arabic: يفترس - يستغل
• Bengali: শিকার করা - সুবিধা নেওয়া
• Russian: охотиться на - пользоваться слабостью
• Japanese: 捕食する - つけこむ
• Vietnamese: săn mồi - lợi dụng
• Korean: 약탈하다 - 이용하다
• Turkish: avlanmak - sömürmek
• Urdu: شکار کرنا - فائدہ اُٹھانا
• Indonesian: memangsa - memanfaatkan

Example Sentences

Lions prey upon zebras in the wild.

basic

Scammers often prey upon elderly people.

basic

Some animals prey upon smaller creatures to survive.

basic

Cybercriminals love to prey upon people who aren't careful online.

natural

It’s disgusting how some companies prey upon people’s fears just to sell products.

natural

He targets new students and tries to prey upon their lack of experience.

natural