predator

American  

[pred-uh-ter, -tawr] / ˈprɛd ə tər, -ˌtɔr /

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.

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predator British  

/ ˈprɛdətə /

noun

1. any carnivorous animal

2. a predatory person or thing

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predator Scientific  

/ prĕd′ə-tər /

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

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Other Word Forms

• antipredator noun

Etymology

Origin of predator

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

Some cichlids evolved into predators, while others specialized in feeding on algae, sifting sand, or consuming plankton.

From Science Daily

As predators eat those infected animals, the parasites move up the food web.

From Science Daily

In addition, rising up could have made them appear larger, potentially deterring predators.

From Science Daily

"An active supermassive black hole is like a hungry predator dominating the ecosystem," he said.

From Science Daily

Barrett, who recalled being a target for predators and online bullying, said her mother was aware of the problems it created but continued to share her daughter’s life on social media.

From Los Angeles Times