— preyer , n.
/pray/ , n.
1. an animal hunted or seized for food, esp. by a carnivorous animal.
2. a person or thing that is the victim of an enemy, a swindler, a disease, etc.; gull.
3. the action or habit of preying: a beast of prey.
4. Archaic. booty or plunder.
v.i.
5. to seize and devour prey, as an animal does (usually fol. by on or upon ): Foxes prey on rabbits.
6. to make raids or attacks for booty or plunder: The Vikings preyed on coastal settlements.
7. to exert a harmful or destructive influence: His worries preyed upon his mind.
8. to victimize another or others (usually fol. by on or upon ): loan sharks that prey upon the poor.
[ 1200-50; ME preye praeda booty, prey; akin to prehendere to grasp, seize (see PREHENSION) ]
Syn. 2. dupe, target.