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

/ prĕd′ə-tər /

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

Other Words From

• an·ti·pred·a·tor 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

Moreover, the script transitions him, through Finan’s effective performance, from a gawky, bespectacled nerd putting on airs, into an unctuous political predator.

From Salon

"I believe he was a predator," Mr Morse said.

From BBC

Did the luxury store protect a billionaire predator?

From BBC

About a week earlier, a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, had aired.

From BBC

Emily is among three of his young victims to have spoken to the makers of a BBC Three documentary Teen Predator/Online Killer.

From BBC