/ preɪ; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun [ U , sing. ]
1.
an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another :
The lion will often stalk its prey for hours.
birds of prey (= birds that kill for food)
2.
a person who is harmed or tricked by sb, especially for dishonest purposes :
Elderly people are easy prey for dishonest salesmen.
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IDIOMS
- be / fall prey to sth
■ verb
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IDIOMS
- prey on sb's mind
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PHRASAL VERBS
- prey on / upon sb/sth
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (also denoting plunder taken in war): the noun from Old French preie , from Latin praeda booty, the verb from Old French preier , based on Latin praedari seize as plunder, from praeda .