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).
Phrases and idioms:
beast (or bird) of prey an animal (or bird) which hunts animals for food.
Derivatives:
preyer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF preie f. L praeda booty