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

The newly elected President of the United States has nominated a sexual predator to be in charge of the Department of Justice.

From Salon

Johnson has shown no signs he will thwart Trump in any way, the conservative Christian instead deploying his moral authority to defend an alleged sexual predator.

From Salon

Now, for the first time one of these extinct predators has been spotted in the flesh.

From Science Magazine

We don’t know how it dies: illness or injury, predators or old age.

From Los Angeles Times

The mollusk lights up using bioluminescence when threatened to distract predators, researchers said.

From Los Angeles Times