n. & v.
n. 1 an animal that is hunted or killed by another for food. 2 (often foll. by to) a person or thing that is influenced by or vulnerable to (something undesirable) (became a prey to morbid fears). 3 Bibl. or archaic plunder, booty, etc.
v.intr. (foll. by on, upon) 1 seek or take as prey. 2 make a victim of. 3 (of a disease, emotion, etc.) exert a harmful influence (fear preyed on his mind). beast (or bird) of prey an animal (or bird) which hunts animals for food. preyer n.
[ ME f. OF preie f. L praeda booty ]